Pool Safety

With many families looking forward to splashing in the waters of Wyoming’s pools this summer, two state agencies are reminding swimmers to avoid catching or spreading recreational water illnesses. Diseases such as cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis are commonly passed on from person to person due to swimming in pools contaminated with the waterborne parasites. Symptoms of these diseases in humans can occur days to weeks after exposure and include active diarrhea, stomach cramping, nausea and loss of appetite. Normal pool disinfection measures may not fully kill the parasites, which are also found in untreated water sources such as lakes, rivers and ponds. Kelly Weidenbach, an epidemiologist with the Wyoming Department of Health says “Most recreation water illnesses are caused by contamination with fecal matter. That’s why we strongly encourage people to shower before entering pools or hot tubs.”