Waterborne pathogen resilient against chlorine treatment lasts for 10 days: Unveiling other hidden hazards in public swimming pools
In recent years, concerns about the cleanliness of public swimming pools have been on the rise. These concerns stem from the presence of various germs that can pose health risks to swimmers.
One such germ is Cryptosporidium, which has been the cause of numerous outbreaks in swimming pools across the USA. According to data from 2009 to 2017, Cryptosporidium caused nearly 450 outbreaks across 40 states and Puerto Rico, sickening more than 7,400 people. Most of these outbreaks were traced back to people swallowing water from treated pools, with many cases linked to infected children who had recent diarrheal illness.
Cryptosporidium is particularly tenacious, able to survive in chlorine-treated water for up to 10 days. Other germs, such as Hepatitis A, can survive for about 16 minutes in chlorinated pools. These germs typically enter the water through fecal contamination, a problem exacerbated by the fact that the average swimmer introduces millions of microbes into the pool water.
Swimming in a public pool this summer could expose individuals to a variety of germs, including Shigella, norovirus, adenovirus, Legionella, Pseudomonas, and fungi. These germs can cause a range of health issues, from diarrhea and stomach pain to serious forms of pneumonia and skin rashes.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends several precautions to reduce the risk of contracting these germs. Showering for at least a minute before swimming to rinse off dirt, sweat, and germs is one such precaution. Avoiding peeing or pooping in the pool is another, as such incidents can lead to pool closures. Last year, New York City's parks department had to shut down pools 203 times due to such incidents.
It's important to note that a strong chlorine smell is not indicative of clean water, but rather a potential sign of contamination. Fungal spores can also establish in pool decks, ladders, and locker rooms and are hard to eliminate, often spreading infections like athlete's foot.
Outbreaks of waterborne illnesses linked to pools and other recreational venues are increasing, making it more important than ever to take precautions. By following the CDC's recommendations and being mindful of the potential risks, swimmers can help ensure a safer and healthier swimming pool experience for all.
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