Infections associated with swimming in pools
Contact with water during the summer months is particularly pleasant, which is why the number of visitors to swimming pools, especially in the hot summer weather, is particularly high.
The suitability of the swimming pool, which is ensured by adequate chlorination, constant control of the PH and renewal of the water, makes it safe, however, there are risks from various infections.
Symptoms from the gastrointestinal tract, especially diarrhea, are the most common.
Cryptosporidiasis can occur in the form of outbreaks and is due to the parasite – protozoan cryptosporidium. The symptoms are abdominal pain – diarrhea. It is acquired by swallowing oocysts excreted by infected individuals. The peculiarity of this specific infection is that chlorine in the prescribed quantities does not neutralize the protozoan.
Legionella causes particularly serious respiratory infections, and thrives at temperatures of 20-42ºC in air conditioning systems, cooling towers and whirlpools. In contaminated conditions, it is inhaled in the form of an aerosol.
Other microorganisms that cause diarrhea, if contaminated water is swallowed, are norovirus, strains of e-coli, giardia and others.
Irritation of the ears and eyes can also be caused. Specifically, swimmers ear is mentioned, which is an external otitis media mainly caused by pseudomonas and staphylococcus, which manifests itself with swelling of the external auditory canal and severe pain. As a main guideline, it is recommended to dry the ears thoroughly after swimming.
Exposure to water and prolonged exposure to wet clothing creates conditions that combine increased temperature and humidity that favor conditions for urinary tract infections. Therefore, it is advisable to quickly change wet clothing after thoroughly wiping after bathing.
Swimming pools can often be contaminated with mites. It is advisable to wear flip-flops or sandals when walking around the changing rooms and pool areas to avoid such skin infections.
As a general precaution, there should be proper control of pool chemicals, the required water changes should be made, and swimmers should avoid swimming in the pool if they have symptoms of a gastrointestinal infection.
Finally, all bathers in swimming pools must shower both upon entering and exiting the pool.
