Urgent health warning over using swimming pools over summer – what you need to know

Health authorities have issued an urgent health warning on a very delicate issue: how long to avoid swimming pools if you develop diarrhea.

As the weather warms us up over Christmas and throughout the summer, large numbers of Aussies will be taking advantage of swimming pools – private or public – to cool off.

But such fun activities also cause an increase in the gastrointestinal disease cryptosporidiosis.

It is caused by the microscopic parasite Cryptosporidium and is a common cause of acute diarrhea in young children.

Doctors’ advice is not to swim in a pool for two weeks after experiencing diarrhea symptoms.

In addition to infecting humans, Cryptosporidium can also occur in a variety of animals, including cattle, sheep, dogs and cats.

Queesland’s Chief Health Officer Dr Heidi Carroll said cryptosporidiosis is most commonly acquired through the ingestion of contaminated water or food, or through contact with infected people or animals.

“A common route of transmission is through ingestion of water contaminated with Cryptosporidium parasites and this can occur through people accidentally swallowing water in facilities such as swimming pools or other swimming areas,” she said.

‘People may not realize that you can be contagious for some time after diarrhea symptoms have disappeared. That’s why we’re asking people not to swim for 14 days after experiencing these symptoms.”

Over the past summer and autumn, Queensland experienced a significant sustained spike in cryptosporidiosis cases.

Queensland Health recorded 6,103 reports of cryptosporidiosis across the state to December 18.

This was a huge increase compared to 1,314 cases in 2023 and 535 cases in 2022 during the same period.

Most cases this year (5,619 reports) were registered between January 1 and May 30.

Dr. Carroll said most cases of cryptosporidiosis this year have been recorded in the southeastern corner of the state.

“Nearly three-quarters (73 per cent) of cases have occurred among residents of the Metro South, Metro North, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and West Moreton hospital and healthcare regions,” she said.

‘Children aged nine and under account for 44 percent of cryptosporidiosis reports this year, with 2,698 cases recorded in this age group.’

But better news is that Dr. Carroll said the number of cases of cryptosporidiosis has decreased in the second half of the year.

‘Between February 12 and March 24 this year, Queensland Health recorded an average of more than 430 cases per week.

‘It’s great to see that these figures have fallen significantly in recent months and we are now recording an average of 15 cases per week.’

Doctors’ advice is not to swim in a pool for two weeks after experiencing diarrhea symptoms. Stock image

As the weather warms us up over Christmas and throughout the summer, large numbers of Aussies will be taking advantage of swimming pools – private or public – to cool off. Stock image

However, this could change for the worse as the mercury rises.

“As the weather warms and more people swim in pools and other recreational water facilities, we may see a spike in numbers again, so we encourage people to take the proper precautions,” she said.

Dr. Carroll said people can take several measures to protect themselves and others from cryptosporidiosis infection.

“Be careful not to swallow water when swimming in any environment,” she said.

‘I also advise people not to swim in rivers, creeks or dams within a week of heavy rainfall.

‘It is so important to wash hands thoroughly after using the toilet, changing nappies and after cleaning up animal waste to minimize the transmission of disease.’

She said parents and caregivers should also wash hands of toddlers and babies after a diaper change.

‘Children with diarrhea are only allowed to return to childcare or school once the diarrhea has stopped for 24 hours.’

Dr. Carroll said people can also minimize the risk by washing fruits and vegetables before eating them and boiling untreated water and then cooling it before drinking.

Although there is no specific treatment for cryptosporidiosis, it is important to stay hydrated.

People who experience serious illness, difficulty maintaining adequate fluid intake or prolonged diarrhea should seek medical advice.