The heat of summer and the free time that vacations bring make swimming pools, lakes and beaches fill with people looking for a short and refreshing break. Water activities are a classic of these months and a much-needed escape from the heat. However, not all waters are the same and the risk of suffering from an aquatic transmitted disease may increase depending on where the expected bath is.
A new study promoted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States (CDCP for its acronym in English) indicates that the presence of chemicals in swimming pool water does not guarantee the absence of organisms harmful to the human body . The most common symptoms usually involve diarrhea, stomach pain, or vomiting .
Of 633 outbreaks nationwide caused by bacteria, viruses and other organisms in the environment, about 80% of them were traced in water treated with chlorine or other chemicals typical of swimming pools and hot tubs. The studies, looking at outbreaks from 2000 to 2014, found 493 outbreaks in which more than 27,000 people suffered from disease and eight died of pathogens in chemically treated recreational waters. The results did not include illnesses related to private swimming pools or cases in which a single person fell ill.
A new study promoted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States (CDCP for its acronym in English) indicates that the presence of chemicals in swimming pool water does not guarantee the absence of organisms harmful to the human body. The most common symptoms usually involve diarrhea, stomach pain, or vomiting.
Of 633 outbreaks nationwide caused by bacteria, viruses and other organisms in the environment, about 80% of them were traced in water treated with chlorine or other chemicals typical of swimming pools or hot tubs. The studies, looking at outbreaks from 2000 to 2014, found 493 outbreaks in which more than 27,000 people suffered from disease and eight died of pathogens in chemically treated recreational waters. The results did not include illnesses related to private swimming pools or cases in which a single person fell ill.
If these figures are compared with the equivalent ones for bathing in lakes, rivers, pools and the like ; Only 140 outbreaks are found with almost 5,000 sick people and two deaths , according to the CDCP. ‘People have a false sense of security when they go to swimming pools. They believe that chlorine kills everything and it doesn’t , ‘says Trisha Robinson , epidemiologist supervisor for the Minnesota Department of Health. In that state there were 51 reports of disease outbreaks in recreational waters during the last decade, of which only nine occurred in lakes or rivers.
Even knowing these figures, when compared with the outbreaks of foodborne illness , which have recently been linked to lettuce in bad condition, pre-cut melon, raw vegetable dishes, cereals, eggs and restaurants where workers do not wash their hands; the risk of a waterborne disease is relatively low .
Chlorine does not protect 100%
Swimming pools usually have trained personnel who monitor chemical levels on a daily basis and record added products. The problem arises when people are added to the mix. ” It is a communal bathtub, you are sharing water and germs with everyone who is there ,” says Robinson. Although chlorine and other chemicals help neutralize large numbers of bacteria and other organisms, many outbreaks of those analyzed in the study were caused by Cryptosporidium , a small parasite that can survive in chlorinated water for more than seven days.
According to the study, the main source of the problem is human fecal matter . While a baby accident can be a nightmare scenario, even the most demanding adults could be the source if they don’t shower before entering the pool. Failure to take proper precautions could cause stomach ailments and illness for many people. Most waterborne diseases cause intestinal discomfort, diarrhea, fever, and vomiting.
The shower requirement is also necessary before swimming in a lake, but the larger size of most lakes makes bacteria and microscopic parasites more dispersed , reducing the likelihood of infection even if water is accidentally swallowed.
‘Swimming is a great activity, but no matter where you are swimming, try not to swallow water, ‘ concludes Trisha Robinson.
Citation: Hlavsa MC, Cikesh BL & Roberts VA. ‘Outbreaks associated wit treated recreational wáter – United States, 2000-2014’. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep, 2018. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6719a3
