Lifestyle: Keep pools, spas free of micro critters

You can’t see them. But cryptosporidium, a type of bacteria, can survive in swimming pools and spas, despite chlorine.

Nationally, it has caused more than 30 outbreaks and 10,000 cases of waterborne-diarrhea linked to swimming pools, spas and water parks, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report.

Here’s how you can prevent spreading and contracting crypto, according to CDC reports and Dr. Hildy Meyers, medical director of communicable disease control and epidemiology for the Orange County Health Care Agency.

Q. How common is water-borne diarrhea caused by crypto?

A. It is uncommon, but it’s possible that more cases have occurred because people may not report to local health officials cases or outbreaks of diarrhea linked to pools or spas.

Many outbreaks are never detected.

It may take weeks before the bacteria cause illness.

Q. Who is at high risk for being adversely affected by crypto?

A. People with compromised immunity, such as people undergoing chemotherapy, people taking medications that dampen their immune system, pregnant women, children with certain chronic medical conditions.

Q. Why does crypto survive despite chlorine in the water?

A. Crypto is protected by an outer shell that enables it to survive for days.
Even a well-maintained pool or spa can contain crypto. Adding more chlorine is not the answer.

Q. How can pool use lead to infection?

A. Most water-related diarrhea develops after swallowing contaminated water. You also can be infected by touching infected objects and surfaces such as bathroom fixtures, tables, lounge chairs and changing tables.

Q. Can people get contaminated from playing and wading in decorative fountains?

A. Yes. Kids and adults can be infected by playing in and swallowing contaminated water in fountains that have not been chlorinated and filtered. Babies in diapers can contaminate fountains.

Q. How can I reduce the risk of spreading crypto or becoming infected?
A. Here’s how:

-- Don’t swim if you have diarrhea. This is especially important for children in diapers. They can spread germs into the water and make others sick.

-- Don’t swallow pool water. In fact, try your best to avoid even pool water getting in your mouth.

-- Wash hands with soap and water after using the toilet or changing diapers.

-- Take your child for bathroom breaks often and before they say they need to go.

-- Change diapers in a bathroom and not at poolside.

-- Wash your child thoroughly — especially the rear end — with soap and water before swimming.

Q. Where can I get more information?
A. Go to www.cdc.gov/
healthyswimming.