WEDNESDAY, JULY 21, 2004
WATER SAFETY
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
.
11
Spa inspections reveal unsafe waters
By Julie Jones
jjones@kansan.com
Kansan staff writer
In a 2002 spa inspection, half of the inspected spas violated health regulations, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's July 2 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Of the spas receiving violations, 11 percent were closed.
More than 5,000 spas, most in hotels and resorts, were inspected in Florida California, Pennsylvania, Missouri Minnesota and Wyoming.
The report said the number of violations in spas were proportionate to those reported in swimming pools. The health violations can lead to an increased number of water-related illnesses, such as cryptosporidiosis.
At the end of the 2003 swimming season in Douglas County, 89 cryptosporidiosis cases were reported, said Kay Kent, director of Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department. Seven other cases in surrounding counties were linked to Douglas County. Last year's outbreak has led the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department to implement new preventative systems this year.
Under the new rules, the health department will close a public pool if used by
someone with a laboratory-confirmed case of cryptosporidiosis. The swimming facility will be reopened after super-chlorination, a process that increases chlorine levels to disinfect the pool.
Pools are encouraged to close if any diarrhea is found in the pool, crypto-related or not.
No cases of cryptosporidiosis have been reported this year, but earlier this month, the Lawrence Outdoor Aquatic Center closed after a child's diarrhea was found in the pool.
"Anytime there is a health-related problem we will close pool and notify the health department," said Fred DeVictor, director of Lawrence Parks and Recreation.
The health department has also increased public education to prevent the spread of water-related illnesses by visiting all non-residential pools to go over healthy swimming guidelines, Kent said.
Daycares were also visited to stress handwashing and sanitation. Three news releases were also given to the media.
"I cannot stress enough — do not go swimming if you have diarrhea," Kent said.
Inspections are conducted throughout the summer, checking pool maintenance, chlorine and pH levels.
The health department has asked the city and county for funding for a communications coordinator, which would allow the department to be more proactive in getting information to the public, Kent said.
SAFE SUMMER SWIMS
To prevent the spread of disease in swimming areas, please follow these tips:
Never swim when you have diarrhea.
Never take a child with diarrhea swimming.
Don't swallow pool water.
Always wash your hands after using the bathroom or changing a diaper.
Use the restroom often. Take children on periodic bathroom breaks.
Use a bathroom to change diapers.
Always wash yourself and your child thoroughly prior to pool time, paying special attention to the private areas.
Source: Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department's "Six PLEAs for Healthy Swimming"
What is Cryptosporidiosis?
Cryptosporidiosis is caused by Cryptosporidium parvum, a one-celled parasite found in human and animal feces. The parasite attacks the digestive and respiratory lining, causing diarrhea, stomach
cramps and sometimes vomiting.
Because the disease is spread by oral fecal contact, swimming pools are a common area for the disease's transmission.
Symptoms may take 12 days to develop and can last two weeks. Some people may never show symptoms, but can still be a carrier of the disease.
There is no cure for cryptosporidiosis. Those infected should stay hydrated and take anti-diarrheal medications to alleviate symptoms.
Those with lowered immune systems are more likely to develop a severe case of the disease and should seek medical attention.
Testing for the disease is not a routine lab test, said Kathy Colson, Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department nurse. The test requires a large stool sample and by the time the results are received, the infected person has usually recovered, she said.
Colson said that anyone with three or more loose stools a day for three to seven days should see a doctor.
Anyone with cryptosporidiosis who works with food or children, should not return to work until symptoms have ceased. Infected persons should avoid swimming pools until symptoms have not been present for two weeks.
— Edited by Erik Johnson
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