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POOL INFECTION Even though the summer is winding down, there are still several weeks of hot weather ahead. Time in the water¬—and specifically swimming pools—remains in order. Every year, concerns are raised regarding the potential for infection and life-threatening illness because of exposure to a contaminated swimming pool. A risk does indeed exist, but it is quite minimal. Over the past twenty years, I have spent all of my professional time in the Emergency Department and have not seen a significant number of illnesses due to pool exposure. Most bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses that can infect the human body do not survive in pool water. While some of these microbes are able to survive outside of the human body, they cannot survive in a pool that is properly maintained. As long as the pH of the water is controlled and the pool is adequately chlorinated, the environment is not suitable for propagation of these germs. One of the biggest risks for infection is from the parasite Cryptosporidium, commonly referred to as Crypto. You may remember that this parasite infested the water supply in Milwaukee, infecting over 400,000 people. Some patients with AIDS died because of their weakened immune system an inability to fight disease. Crypto can infect swimming pools, be resistant to chlorination and difficult to eradicate. The most common source of Crypto is exposure to stool caused by fecal accidents in the pool. Symptoms—including watery diarrhea, cramps, fever, fatigue, and weakness—may present a few days to a couple of weeks after exposure. The condition is self-limited (it cannot be passed to others unless they are directly exposed to stool) and is treated symptomatically. People with chronic illnesses and weakened immune systems are at greatest risk. A condition that I have seen more commonly is a skin infection from infected water in hot tubs referred to as “Hot Tub Cellulitis.” Caused by exposure to Pseudomonas, little whiteheads appear on the body. The condition may frighten the patient because of its appearance, but it is self-limited and not life threatening. Usually no treatment is required and the infection will go away on its own. However, more serious infections, which are rare, will require antibiotic treatment. Pool maintenance specialists will provide direction concerning the proper means of cleaning an infected hot tub. Overall, swimming in a pool or spending time in the hot tub poses little risk for infection and serious illness. It is important that the facility is well maintained. Remember, public facilities are under close scrutiny by local health agencies. One can be assured that the risk of developing a severe, life-threatening illness from spending a day at the pool is quite rare. Enjoy the rest of the summer! |
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