Health Officials Prep To Stop Summer Pool Parasites
About 800 Crypto Cases In 2005, Officials Say
June 16, 2006
ChannelCincinnati.com
CINCINNATI -- Crypto cases caused hundreds of TriSstate kids to become sick in 2005. This year, however, local pools aren't taking any chances when it comes to dealing with the waterborne disease, News 5 reported.
The parasite, called Cryptosporidium, affected about 800 kids in the area in 2005, according to health officials.
"Last year was extremely scary," said parent Donna West. "We actually stayed away."
"It's something we don't see in great numbers in this part of the region," said Chris Eddy of the Hamilton County Health Department. "We've seen it in other places but this caught us by surprise. This year we're trying to avert that from happening again."
In Hamilton County, officials inspected swimming pools and conducted extensive training sessions with more than six-dozen people in April, regarding pool sanitation and safety procedures.
The health department also contacted the places where people tested positive for the parasite, as well as any pools that didn't have any contact with the outbreak.
Pools have been encouraged to post "little squirt" rules, which say that the content of a child's diaper can create diseases.
"(It's) the most important thing for parents, even if it's embarrassing," said Blue Ash pool manager Jon Corum. "If the child has a problem, let the pool manager know."
"It's a scary thing when they are shutting down pools for five days because they have to clean the filtration system," said parent Michelle Day. "It is a hygiene concern."
For more information about the new rules, visit the Hamilton County Health Department's Web site.
