DCHHS Issues Stronger Recommendations for Prevention Measures Against Crypto Infections Linked to Area Spray Parks and Pools Use

 July 31, 2008 (Dallas)

Dallas County Health and Human Services is investigating cases of Cryptosporidiosis, or "crypto", linked to area spray and water parks in Dallas County.  DCHHS Environmental Health, Communicable Disease, and Public Health Preparedness divisions are working with municipalities and private operators to implement mitigation measures, such as hyperchlorination of pools, and public education to reduce the risk to the public's health.

"DCHHS is actively involved in the investigation of cases of diarrheal illnesses that may be associated with spray parks in Dallas County," said Zachary Thompson, DCHHS Director.  “Our Environmental Health team is conducting site visits at the request of our municipal partners.  Our epidemiologists are also conducting investigations of reported cases.”

DCHHS has met with area Cities to discuss proper sanitation methods for spray parks to protect the health of residents. DCHHS has also distributed informational signs and flyers to area water recreational facilities to better inform the public of precautions to avoid contracting crypto and other water-borne illnesses.
Crypto is a diarrheal illness caused by microscopic parasites called Cryptosporidium.   Its symptoms include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea (which can last 1-2 weeks). DCHHS has received 41 lab-confirmed cases of crypto since June 2008.

"We are now seeing an increase in the number of confirmed crypto cases reported in our county in comparison to the same time last year,” said Dr. Wendy Chung, DCHHS Chief Epidemiologist.  “We are currently investigating outbreaks of infections possibly associated with aquatic facilities and are working to make certain that the appropriate precautions are being put into place.” 

An individual usually becomes infected with Crypto by ingesting contaminated food or water. However, germs such as Crypto can survive for days in a properly disinfected pool. DCHHS offers the following safeguards to prevent Crypto and other recreational water illnesses:  

For the general public:

  • Do not swim when you have diarrhea or if you have had diarrhea in the last two weeks.
  • Don’t swallow the pool or spray fountain water.
  • Young children needing diapers should not use commonly shared water facilities.
    Please take your kids on frequent bathroom breaks.
  • Please change diapers in a bathroom or a diaper-changing area and not at poolside.
  • Please wash your child thoroughly (especially the rear end) with soap and water before swimming.
  • Practice good hygiene. Take a shower before and after using shared water facilities and wash your hands.
  • Don’t take pets into pools and spray parks.

For pool operators:

  • Post signs regarding the above recommendations for the general public at your facility.
  • Do not allow staff with diarrhea or who have had diarrhea during the past 2 weeks to enter the pool  or spray pad area.
  • If a suspected case of diarrheal illness is associated with your facility, immediately close all pools and spray fountains and initiate hyperchlorination protocols outlined by the CDC.  DCHHS strongly recommends that hyperchlorination protocols be repeated on a weekly basis.
  • If a fecal incident occurs, immediately close the pool or spray park, remove as much of the fecal material as possible, and repeat hyperchlorination protocols.  Leave the net or bucket used to remove the fecal mater in the water during hyperchlorination to disinfect the item prior to repeat use.
  • Maintain chlorine levels at 5 ppm
  • DCHHS strongly recommends installing appropriate filtration and disinfection systems, including the use of ultraviolet disinfection units;
  • DCHHS also strongly recommends constructing fencing around the facility to keep wild life and pets from entering the water area.

“At the core of this issue is the need to update the Texas Health and Safety codes to include more stringent guidelines specific to the regulations of interactive spray fountains and facilities,” Thompson continued

Pool and spray park operators are asked to report cases of diarrheal illness possibly linked to use of their recreational water facility to DCHHS. Anyone experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention and report the information to DCHHS at (214) 819-2004. Signage and additional information is available on our website at www.dallascounty.org

Contact:  

Dallas County Department of Health and Human Services
Jacqueline M. Bell – 214-819-6329
Zachary Thompson –  214-819-2101