What is recreational water illness?
How can you help prevent it?
Avoid the parasites, so
you can enjoy our paradise!
Recreational water parks and
interactive fountains have been found
 to
be the source of various illnesses acquired from swallowing contaminated
water. Diarrhea is the chief symptom for most of these illnesses.
Waterborne diarrhea parasites include Cryptosporidium and Giardia.
Toddlers and diaper-aged children playing at water parks and
interactive fountains increase the chance for water contamination. If
fecal accidents occur from ill swimmers with infectious diarrhea,
waterborne pathogens are released into the water causing a health risk
to others.
Only small amounts of Cryptosporidium or Giardia organisms
need to be swallowed for
 the
illness to be transmitted. Furthermore, chlorine resistance has been
found in both Cryptosporidium and Giardia. Because of Cryptosporidium’s
resistance to chlorination, it has become the leading cause of
gastrointestinal illness outbreaks associated with treated recreational
water parks. Inspections of water parks related to the outbreaks showed
that in most cases, the recommended chlorine levels had been maintained.
Compounding the problem, Cryptosporidium‘s small size can pass through
commonly used filtration systems and can survive for days in swimming
pools.
Although there is no standing water in interactive water fountains, it
is still possible for the water to become contaminated. The spray water
can rinse contamination, such as diarrhea, vomit, or dirt, into a
reservoir for recirculation, which may lead to illness.
How can you help prevent recreational water illnesses?
These simple steps promote healthy water park and interactive fountain
safety:
- Don’t swallow water from pools or interactive
fountains.
- Don’t swim or go into fountains when you have
diarrhea.
- Shower with soap and water and wash your
child thoroughly with soap and water before swimming.
- Wash your hands with soap and water after
using a toilet or after changing diapers.
- Take your children on bathroom breaks or
check diapers often.
- Change diapers in a bathroom and not at
poolside
Water parks and interactive water
fountains provide opportunities to enjoy leisure time. By following
these simple steps you can avoid illnesses associated with these
activities.
Now you can avoid the parasites, so you can enjoy our paradise!
From the Palm Beach County
Epidemiology and Disease Control.
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