August 19, 2008

CDHD Offers Posters to Pool Operators

In response to the record number of cases of Cryptosporidiosis last year in Idaho the Central District Health Department (CDHD) is teaming up with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to fight the disease this summer.  All pool operators are invited to contact the health district for posters developed to remind the public that fighting Cryptosporidiosis depends on their practicing safe and healthy swimming.

Cryptosporidiosis is caused by a tiny protozoan called cryptosporidium (Crypto for short.)  Crypto can cause serious diarrhea in children and adults.  In a normal year there might be 40 cases of crypto in Idaho.  In 2007 the number of confirmed crypto cases shot up to 517, with 241 cases in Ada County alone, where 15 residents were also hospitalized.  Because the crypto organism isn’t killed immediately by ordinary concentrations of chlorine, the disease can spread quickly if an infected person swims or plays in recreational water facilities.

Even the very latest water purification technology can be defeated when people ill with diarrhea play in recreational waters, be it a pool or splash pad.  The posters deliver the message that “Healthy Swimming is No Accident” by reminding swimmers to follow these simple rules to stay safe and healthy:

• Never swim if you have diarrhea (or for two weeks after feeling better).
• Shower using soap before going into the water.
• Don’t swallow the water you play in.
• Make sure kids take frequent bathroom breaks & check diapers often.
• Always wash your hands before eating.
• Always wash kids – especially hands & bottoms – before water play.
• Never change diapers at waterside – use the bathroom or other designated area.

CDHD is encouraging all operators of public pools, both regulated and unregulated, to arrange the pick-up of the posters. Call the CDHD Environmental department at 327-7499 to reserve you posters today.

More information on Recreational Water Safety, along with PDF versions of the posters can be found on the "Resources for Pool Operators " page located on the Central District Health Department website.: