If pool chlorine's strong, why did my child get sick?
• Q: Over spring break, my children attended a pool party. Later, one got really sick; the doctor thought that an organism in the water caused it. I don't understand how that could happen; I could smell the chlorine before I could see the pool.
Can Action Line explain?
• A: Your child contracted what's known as an RWI, or recreational water illness. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there has been a marked increase in cases over the last decade. While chlorine does kill most germs, it takes several hours to reach maximum effectiveness; and some organisms, such as Cryptosporidium, or Crypto, which causes diarrhea, are resistant to it. Beyond that, if you could smell chlorine from a distance, the pool wasn't properly treated. A well-managed pool should look clear; there should be no strong smell of chlorine.
We joined a waterpark/pool this summer. My kids, 6 and 3, and I have enjoyed it for several days now. All of a sudden, my daughter and I have had diarrhea. Today my son complained of a very sore throat, stomach ache and had a high fever. Is this from the pool that is SUPPOSED to be safe!??