CDC savvy swimmers are wary of water-borne diseases

Summertime fun means water. But beware …

In a study published Friday, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reminded Americans that water plans in which they play can sometimes make them sick.

>> Learn more Trends [19659007] From 2000 to 2014, the years of the study, voluntary declarations from 35 states and Guam revealed nearly 5,000 cases of illness – and two deaths – related to water plans that had not been treated. The majority of untreated water features were parks and public beaches.

The study also lists treated water foci

In Georgia, in the last four years, most of the reported illnesses involved only members. club, in its paddling pool. In August 2014, 63 people were sick with the parasite Cryptosporidium hominis, a pathogen that can cause dangerous diarrhea.

None of them was hospitalized. In contrast, in August 2013, five people were declared sick and three were hospitalized, Legionella pneumophila being supposed to come from a pool of hotels in Georgia. This is the bacteria that can cause Legionnaire's disease

Others have been sick in community parks or water parks.

But there are things that swimmers can do to reduce the risk.

"Swimmers and parents of young swimmers can take steps to minimize the risk of exposure to pathogens, toxins and chemicals in untreated recreational waters," according to the CDC report. do not swim in faded, smelly, frothy or scummy water; do not swim while he is sick with diarrhea; Things to know:

• Beaches in the ocean were rarely the source of the problem in the study, but the federal government maintains a resource to check them out. Closure and scientific details on the water quality: https://watersgeo.epa.gov/beacon2/

Living out water if

• The beach is closed or notice is displayed for high bacterial levels or other conditions,

• Recent heavy rainfall has occurred

• An evacuation pipe can be seen on the beach

• Fish or fish Other animals in or near the water are dead

• The water is discolored, smelly, frothy or scintillating

Other things not to do

• Do not swim or let them children swim if they have diarrhea

• Do not swallow recreational bathing water. swim near or wade in marshy areas where snails are commonly found.

• Do not put your head under water.

Avoid water that contains harmful algae

• Rinse pets, especially dogs, immediately if they swim discolored, smelly, sparkling or scummy water. Do not let them lick the algae from their fur.