[ad_1]
GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado – Health officials in Garfield County are investigating an outbreak of parasite disease in people who visited the Glenwood Hot Springs pool.
The Garfield County Department of Public Health announced Thursday it has confirmed four cases of cryptosporidiosis, caused by the parasite cryptosporidium. The complex said the four cases involved people who visited the area for children's water attractions on August 18.
The main symptoms of cryptospiridiosis are: watery diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever and weight loss. The symptoms last from one to two weeks and most people recover without treatment.
The cryptosporidium parasite is often spread by ingestion of water contaminated with faeces containing the parasite, for example in a swimming pool or other public water body.
Cryptosporidium is notoriously difficult to control because it is not easy to kill with the concentrations of chlorine and other disinfectants commonly used in swimming pools, and it can stay in the water for weeks or even months. Health officials said that the chlorine in the Glenwood Hot Springs pools was within regulatory limits during the period in question and that the complex took all the recommended measures to limit the spread of the pest.
The play area for children near the pool will remain closed until it is considered free from the parasite and secured to reopen, said the complex.
The symptoms of cryptosporidiosis usually appear between two and 10 days after exposure and can last for a week or two. Although most people recover without treatment, people with weakened immune systems, such as young children and pregnant women, may need to see a doctor.
One person with cryptosporidium swimming in a pool for the water to become contaminated. Drinking even a small amount of contaminated water is enough to make a person sick.
How to prevent the transmission of cryptosporidium to the pool:
- Do not swim if you have diarrhea
- Shower before entering the water
- Do not go to the bathroom in the water
- Do not swallow water
- Take the children to take regular breaks in the bathroom
- Check the diapers and keep them away from the water
For more information on cryptosporidium, visit the site
cdc.gov.
[ad_2]
Source link