Outbreaks Linked to Treated Recreational Water

Swimming pool season is upon us, but you might want to think twice before diving in and recreational facility managers may want to ensure pools are pathogen-free. A recent study from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found there were 208 outbreaks from 2015 to 2019 that were caused by pathogens and chemicals in treated recreational water from pools, hot tubs, and water playgrounds, WTVD-TV reports.

The study, released last week, detailed 3,646 cases from 36 states where public health officials voluntarily reported outbreaks to the CDC via the National Outbreak Reporting System. Of the 208 outbreaks, 76—2,492 cases—involved cryptosporidium, a parasite which causes a gastrointestinal illness, and 65 outbreaks involved legionella, bacteria which causes Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia. The outbreaks resulted in 13 deaths and 286 hospitalizations.

The report also found:

• 96% of the outbreaks were associated with public pools, hot tubs, or water playgrounds
• 155 outbreaks were caused by pathogens and resulted in 81% cases and 94% of the hospitalizations
• Cryptosporidium outbreaks were associated with pools and prevalent from June to August
• Legionella outbreaks were associated with hot tubs, motels, lodges, inns, and resorts.

To prevent outbreaks, the CDC recommends that operators of public aquatic venues follow its 2018 Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC), Legionella Control Toolkit, and Water Management Program Toolkit.

The CDC also advises public health officials and operators of public aquatic venues to educate the public about not swimming if they have diarrhea and to avoid swallowing the water.