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Officials Investigating Possible 'Crypto' Death

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Jul 31, 2008 9:45 pm US/Central

Officials Investigating Possible 'Crypto' Death

Reporting
Jay Gormley

Health officials believe the death of a 6-year-old North Texas girl could be linked to cryptosporidium. The parasite is found in human and animal fecese.

The girl died Monday night at the hospital. Her family says she tested positive for 'crypto' after swimming in the Greenwood Hills Community Pool. However the Dallas County Medical Examiner has yet to release the official cause of death.

Since June 2008, the Dallas County Health and Human Services confirms there have been 50 confirmed cases of 'crypto,' according to spokeswoman Jacqueline Bell.

"DCHHS is actively involved in the investigation of cases of diarrahal illnesses that may be associated with spray parks in Dallas County," said Zachary Thompson, DCHHS Director.

Dallas County health officials have sent a letter to doctors and healthcare providers recommending that immune-suppressed patients avoid public pools and water parks until the outbreak is under control.

Also on Thursday, Frisco officials said they would close city pools so workers can treat the water.

Over the next two days, the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas will also be closing down all 30 of its pools to treat them for 'crypto.'

In Garland, the Surf and Swim Water Park will be closed while the water is being treated. The health department says a person who swam at the park tested positive for 'crypto.' They are also closing down pools at daycare centers.

As of Thursday, Tarrant County officials report a total of 81 'crypto' cases so far this year. Sixty seven of those cases came from Burger's Lake.

In Lewisville, an ultra-violet light system is being used at some water park and pools. The system kills the 'crypto' parasite using black light.

Health officials say 'crypto' is resistant to normal levels of chlorine. However, it is not resistant to extreme levels of chlorine achieved by hyper-chlorination or "shocking" a pool.

Tarrant County Health officials offer these guidelines to prevent infection while swimming:

• Help protect yourself, your family and others in recreational swimming areas.
• Do not swim when you are ill with diarrhea or for two weeks after your diarrhea has stopped.  Cryptosporidium is chlorine resistant.
• Do not swallow the water when you swim or wade in pool/lake/river water. Avoid getting water in your mouth.
• Practice good hygiene (i.e., shower before swimming).
• Please take children on bathroom breaks or check diapers often. Waiting to hear "I need to go," may mean that it is too late.
• Please change diapers in a bathroom or a diaper-changing area and not at poolside.
• Germs can be spread to surfaces and objects in and around the pool and cause illness.
• Please wash children thoroughly (especially in the diaper region) with soap and water before swimming.

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