Going for a dip in a swimming pool is one of the most effective ways of beating the summer heat. According to a report released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), however, it is also an effective way of coming into contact with disease-causing bacteria.
Based on the report, the number of outbreaks occurring because of swimming pools has increased and that it is possible to acquire a serious infection just by going into the water. A lot of people in the U.S. love to swim, regardless if it's summer or not, so it is estimated that there are over 10 million residential pools in the country, as well as about 300,000 public pools.
An outbreak is defined as an incidence where at least two individuals develop the same symptoms, like bloating, diarrhea, or gastrointestinal distress, after being in the same place at the same time. Acute gastrointestinal illness accounted for 81 percent of disease that manifested during summer outbreaks.
According to the results of the report, there were 90 outbreaks in swimming pools in Puerto Rico and across 32 states from 2011 to 2012. After the outbreaks began, at least 1,309 people got sick and 73 were hospitalized while one died.
Chlorine is used to treat water and kill bacteria but it would appear that swimming pools are no safer than beaches, lakes or ponds when it comes to water-borne diseases, with the report pointing out that 69 out of the 90 swimming pools that recorded an outbreak having been treated with chlorine.
Most outbreaks occur during the summer season or from June to August, with the number people in pools peaking during that time, but the report revealed that it is also possible for outbreaks to cause damage from September to May, although most cases at this point occur in hotel swimming pools.
The report named a type of bacteria called Cryptosporidium as the primary culprit for many of the outbreaks. It wasn't until 1988 though that the bacteria became a serious threat.
The best way to avoid getting sick from a swimming pool is to avoid said swimming pool. If it is not possible to steer clear of pools, to not get sick, people are advised to take care not to swallow water, to shower before entering the water, to never urinate in a swimming pool and to not go to public pools if having a bout of diarrhea.
Photo: Jeff Sandquist | Flickr
