By
Gabrielle Linzer When the heat is on and the beach is miles away, you may find yourself at the edge of a pool, ready to jump in all of its chlorinated glory. But before you take the plunge, be aware of what lies within the waters below. According to a recent survey conducted by the
Water Quality and Health Council, 17 percent of adults admit to urinating in a pool. Another 35 percent don't shower before taking a dip and 63 percent are unaware of the health consequences that come with swimming in contaminated water.
Swimming pools that have not been cleaned properly have caused outbreaks of
E coli O157, several types of intestinal infections and unsanitary hot tubs/whirlpools have caused outbreaks of legionellosis [a bacterial disease which may cause pneumonia] and
"hot tub rash", according to Dr. Arthur Reingold, Professor and Head of the Division of Epidemiology in the School of Public Health at UC Berkeley.
But while these illnesses sound frightening, the way they're transmitted is even more stomach turning. Many bacterial and parasitic infections are fecal-oral, which means they arise when fecal matter is orally ingested, which is disturbingly probable if you take a big gulp of pool water, according to Dr. Kathryn Jacobsen, assistant professor in the College of Health and Human Services' Department of Global and Community Health at George Mason University. "The most common disease spread through pool water is diarrhea, and the people most likely to get sick are young children and people with weakened immune systems." Luckily, Jacobsen stresses that "most public pools are very well monitored," minimizing the chance of infection, despite several outbreaks reported each year.
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Prevent the Spread of Pool Diseases
1. Don't swim when you have diarrhea.
If you've been running to the bathroom non-stop, there's a strong chance that fecal matter can spread bacteria around the pool you're swimming in, according to Dr. Kathryn Jacobsen, assistant professor in the College of Health and Human Services' Department of Global and Community Health at George Mason University. To avoid spreading infection to others, hold off on taking a dip until your stomach has settled and you've cleaned thoroughly.
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Prevent the Spread of Pool Diseases
1. Don't swim when you have diarrhea.
If you've been running to the bathroom non-stop, there's a strong chance that fecal matter can spread bacteria around the pool you're swimming in, according to Dr. Kathryn Jacobsen, assistant professor in the College of Health and Human Services' Department of Global and Community Health at George Mason University. To avoid spreading infection to others, hold off on taking a dip until your stomach has settled and you've cleaned thoroughly.
Prevent the Spread of Pool Diseases
2. Don't swallow pool water.
The majority of diseases contracted through pool water are fecal-oral, which means keeping pool water away from your mouth is essential. If you decide to venture underwater, be sure to keep your lips sealed shut.
Prevent the Spread of Pool Diseases
3. Shower with soap before swimming and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers.
You wash up before going to restaurants, parties and other places where you'll be surrounded by a lot of people, so why should the pool be any different? Maintain your hygienic habits and cleanse thoroughly before and after going for a swim.
Prevent the Spread of Pool Diseases
4. Take kids on bathroom breaks and check diapers often.
"Kids with diarrhea should not be in the pool and kids in diapers should be in water/leak-proof diapers," stresses Dr. Arthur Reingold, Professor and Head of the Division of Epidemiology in the School of Public Health at the UC Berkeley. Otherwise, leakage of fecal matter can contaminate the pool.
Prevent the Spread of Pool Diseases
5. Change diapers in a bathroom or a diaper-changing area and not poolside.
It's safer for baby and those swimming with baby if you change and dispose of diapers in designated areas away from the pool. Harmful bacteria from your little one's mess should be kept far from the water, where it can spread infection to your child and others.
Prevent the Spread of Pool Diseases
