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Jul 31, 2008 6:36 pm US/Central
"Crypto" Information, Prevention, Symptoms & More
Crypto is a diarrheal illness caused by microscopic parasites called
cryptosporidium. Its symptoms include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea (which can last 1-2 weeks). DCHHS has received 41 lab-confirmed cases of crypto since June 2008.
An individual usually becomes infected with Crypto by ingesting contaminated food or water. However, germs such as Crypto can survive for days in a properly disinfected pool. DCHHS offers the following safeguards to prevent Crypto and other recreational water illnesses:
For the general public:
• Anyone who has had diarrhea should not use water parks or pools while experiencing symptoms, and for at least two weeks after the symptoms have stopped.
• Don't swallow the pool or spray fountain water.
• Young children needing diapers should not use commonly shared water facilities.
• Do not let children sit on or drink from the water spouts in interactive spray water parks or pools.
• Please take your kids on frequent bathroom breaks.
• Please change diapers in a bathroom or a diaper-changing area and not at poolside.
• Please wash your child thoroughly (especially the rear end) with soap and water before swimming.
• Practice good hygiene. Take a shower before and after using shared water facilities and wash your hands.
• Don't take pets into pools and spray parks.
• Persons at high risk of developing severe illness, such as those with compromised immune systems, should avoid use of water parks or pools until further notice.
• Home owners should strongly consider hyperchlorination if their pool has been used by anyone who has had diarrhea. As a preventive measure, homeowners may also consider hyperchlorination if their pools are routinely used by persons who also use other water parks, spray parks, or pools.
For pool operators:
• All water parks and pools, both public and private, should hyperchlorinate immediately and consider preventive routine hyperchlorination on a weekly basis thereafter.
• Post signs regarding the above recommendations for the general public at your facility.
• Do not allow staff with diarrhea or who have had diarrhea during the past 2 weeks to enter the pool or spray pad area.
• If a suspected case of diarrheal illness is associated with your facility, immediately close all pools and spray fountains and initiate hyperchlorination protocols outlined by the CDC. DCHHS strongly recommends that hyperchlorination protocols be repeated on a weekly basis.
• If a fecal incident occurs, immediately close the pool or spray park, remove as much of the fecal material as possible, and repeat hyperchlorination protocols. Leave the net or bucket used to remove the fecal mater in the water during hyperchlorination to disinfect the item prior to repeat use.
• Maintain chlorine levels at 5 ppm
• DCHHS strongly recommends installing appropriate filtration and disinfection systems, including the use of ultraviolet disinfection units;
DCHHS also strongly recommends constructing fencing around the facility to keep wild life and pets from entering the water area.
(Information from the DCHHS)
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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