Canada Journal – News of the World Articles and videos to bring you the biggest Canadian news stories from across the country every day
In recent weeks, US public health officials have issued warnings about the potential health hazards of Cryptosporidium, a tiny parasite found frequently in swimming pools and other recreational waters. This nasty germ causes a short-lived but very unpleasant stomach illness guaranteed to put a damper on summer fun.
Michele Hlavsa, chief of the CDC’s Healthy Swimming Program, said the parasite is particularity troubling due to how long it can live in treated water.
“It can survive for 10 days,” Hlavasa told ABC News, noting that other bacteria including E. coli are killed in minutes to hours in a treated pool.
“With these outbreaks, we see they disproportionately affect young children,” Hlavasa said. “They’re the ones who can go to a pool and young children tend to carry lots of germs.”
The parasite can be cleared from the body in about two to three weeks, Hlavasa said, but in a person with a weakened immune system the condition may become chronic or even fatal.
Because of gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, “you’re losing so much and your body isn’t able to absorb nutrients,” Hlavasa said.
To stay safe, pool goers should look to see if their pool’s most recent inspection was posted through their local health department or even look into buying their own chlorine tests that can be used to test if the water is properly treated.
“If you’re worried about the restaurant’s [ratings] … it’s the same thing with pools you’re putting your body in that water,” Hlavasa said.
Agencies/Canadajournal
