One Casey City of Casey

Stop the threat of illness this winter

May 18, 2018

As the weather begins to cool down, it is important to keep our fellow pool patrons safe,

As we head into winter it is still more important than ever to be vigilant about water health and safety especially stopping the spread of disease through our public pools.

Cryptosporidium is a parasite that can cause Cryptosporidiosis (Crypto). Crypto is a gut infection that causes diarrhoea, stomach cramps and nausea. Last year across Victoria there were 1183 reported cases, up from 802 in 2016.

Crypto is spread through the Cryptosporidium pathogen. Pathogen are bacteria, microorganisms or parasites that infect their host and can cause illness. Crypto is spread when these pathogens wash off our bodies into the water where they can live for several days. Other pool patrons can become infected if they swallow this contaminated water.

If suffering from diarrhoea or an upset stomach there can be thousands of pathogens in faeces as well as the area around the bottom. Even if the symptoms of the illness have gone away these pathogens remain and can still be transmitted to others. This is why it is crucial to stay out of the water for 14 days after diarrhoea has stopped to limit the amount of people exposed.

To do your part to prevent the spread of illness please ensure that you shower before entering the pool, always wash your hands with soap and warm water, ensure that your child has regular toilet breaks and stay out of the water if currently unwell or recovering from an infection.

If you do get sick after swimming in a public pool please contact the pool managers and let them know as outbreaks can be monitored and the water can be treated to prevent further occurrences.

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