The smell of fresh chlorine in the pool gives many of us a false sense of proper sanitary conditions in swimming pools. Unfortunately, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning Americans about a new type of parasite that is manifesting itself in pools across the United States.
This CDC report comes out after recognizing a 12.8% increase in the number of people developing cryptosporidiosis from a parasite known as cryptosporidium or ‘crypto’ for short. What is especially concerning is that this specific parasite is resistant to chlorine and can live in pools for up to seven days.
What Is Crypto Fecal Parasite?
Cryptosporidium or crypto is a fecal parasite that causes a sickness known as cryptosporidiosis. The CDC describes the symptoms of the illness as, “diarrheal illness that is self-limiting, typically resolving within 2-3 weeks.” Unfortunately, children, pregnant women, and people with poor immune systems may experience more severe symptoms than usual. A person can contract the parasite by accidently swallowing water that has been contaminated.
Between 2009 and 2017, crypto parasite was the cause of 7,465 people falling ill. The most common locations the parasite is found are cattle farms, daycare facilities, and pools. The CDC wants the public to be aware of the symptoms and to not risk exposing others by entering a pool, especially a public one with many other potential victims for the parasite in sight.
Why Are Pool Accidents So Dangerous?
Pools are potentially the best part of summer. Unfortunately, it’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt. Whether a pool owner yourself or a guest of a pool owner, you want to look out for particularly dangerous conditions to ensure safety near swimming pools. Besides drowning, one of the biggest dangers of pools is outside of the pool. Slip and falls are especially common near swimming pools because of the constant splashing of water onto the surface surrounding the pool making it slippery.
Contact an Experienced Pool Accident Lawyer Today!
If you or a loved one recently were hurt at a pool, you may be entitled to compensation and should contact an experienced RI pool accident lawyer today. We work with experienced swimming pool accident lawyers who may be able to file a pool accident lawsuit on your behalf. There are no legal fees unless you receive an award or settlement. Contact us toll free 24/7 at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out an online contact form for a free (no obligation) case evaluation.
Sources:
- cnn.com/2019/06/30/health/crypto-outbreaks-pools-cdc-warning/index.html
- cdc.gov/dpdx/cryptosporidiosis/index.html
Paul d’Oliveira
Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.
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