New Rules Battle Pool Bug

By Carlos Mayorga, The Salt Lake Tribune

Jul. 3–As summer heat drives crowds back into Utah’s public pools, only one case of swimming-related cryptosporidiosis has been reported statewide — but it’s too soon to declare victory, health officials say.

Last year, Utah led the nation with 1,910 reported illnesses from the diarrhea-causing parasite. New technology and new rules — such as tight-fitting swim diapers on babies — have been deployed.

"The next two weeks will be a critical time period to know if we’re going to experience an outbreak like last year," said Gary House, director of the Weber-Morgan Health Department, which has had the sole pool-related crypto case reported so far.

"It’s still close to the beginning of the swim season and lots of people are going to the pools," he said. "We have to keep a close eye on it."

Pool use plunged last summer amid the widespread illnesses and a temporary ban on babies. But measures that include new ultraviolet filtering systems appear to be luring swimmers back, said pool managers in Salt Lake City, Murray, and Magna.

"In mid-August, our attendance dropped off incredibly. People were just afraid to swim," said Jan Donchess, program manager of the Magna Recreation Center. "Now we are over on our revenue and attendance projections so far this summer. Swim lessons are booked through the summer."

Last year, it wasn’t until late July that state health officials saw reports of crypto go well above the yearly average of 30 cases.

The first cases occurred in Utah County, which eventually had 464 confirmed illnesses.

And those were just the "tip of the iceberg," said Utah County Health Department spokesman Lance Madigan. Many cases went unreported for several reasons — some victims did not visit a doctor, and some doctors treated the diarrhea without testing for crypto.

Health officials hope heightened awareness will keep the numbers lower and will help detect the start of any outbreak sooner.

"There are two things happening so far this year: the public is more informed and the medical community is more aware to test people with diarrhea for crypto, leading to faster reporting," Madigan said.

At the Liberty Park pool Monday, 2-year-old Prophet Furse was splashing in a waterproof swim diaper.

That’s a new requirement for all children under 3 and persons who do not have control of their bowels, to prevent feces contamination.

Prophet’s mother, Stephanie Furse, said her family recently moved to Salt Lake City from Kentucky but she had heard about last year’s crypto outbreak.

"I was concerned, but with the swim diaper we feel pretty safe now," she said. "With admission they offer you a swim diaper, which makes it really nice."

Ann Thompson also was at the pool Monday with her four children — two of whom became ill with diarrhea after swimming in a public pool last summer. Her concern about crypto has made her more careful — she urges her children not to swallow the pool water, to wear goggles and to shower before and after swimming

"We didn’t take precautions like this when I was growing up," she said.

Still, Thompson said that it is up to everyone to prevent the parasite from spreading.

"Some families are not as cautious," she said. "All you can do is watch your own family."

cmayorga@sltrib.com

Tips to help you stay healthy this summer

Utah health officials are urging residents to take precautions against West Nile virus and cryptosporidiosis this holiday weekend.

West Nile virus

The season’s first human case of West Nile virus was reported Wednesday in Uintah County, where a man between the ages of

20 and 40 is recovering. Transmitted via mosquitoes, the virus causes flu-like symptoms. The risk for more serious complications increases with age.

To prevent the virus:

–Use mosquito repellents containing DEET or Picaridin when outdoors from dusk to dawn.

–Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants while outdoors.

–Dump out any standing water, such as old tires, to reduce mosquito populations.

Cryptosporidiosis

Twelve cases have been reported so far this year statewide, although only one is connected to swimming. Caused by a parasite in an infected person’s stool, its symptoms often include stomach cramps or diarrhea. It can be transmitted through contact with contaminated pools, streams or lakes. To prevent crypto:

–Do not swallow pool water.

–Take a shower before swimming and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers.

–Make frequent bathroom breaks and diaper checks.

–Change diapers in a bathroom, not poolside.

–If you experience diarrhea, do not swim for at least two weeks after diarrhea stops.

Source: Utah Department of Health

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