Pool Apparently Source Of Parasite

Wednesday, August 1st 2007, 10:53 am

By: News On 6

Health workers have found the source of an illness that made dozens of people sick in Okmulgee. The parasite can be transmitted through contaminated water, and News On 6 anchor Craig Day reports experts say the bug was tracked down to a swimming pool.

At the Okmulgee County Family YMCA there are not the usual kids splashing and having a good time on a hot summer day. Thatâ€™s because the gate is locked, the pool is closed. The State Health Department identified the pool as the common source of a parasitic illness that made dozens of people sick.

"We've checked it and the chlorine levels are really good, again the YMCA had their levels adequate all the time, it's just that the crypto tends to hang around a little longer," said Tressia Ables with the Okmulgee County Health Department.

There are 16 confirmed cases of cryptosporidiosis among people who live or have spent time in Okmulgee. Ninety-five others have complained of diarrhea symptoms consistent with the parasite.

"Crypto is highly contagious, so if you have been around anyone that has crypto it can be spread to you very easily," Ables said.

The illness can spread when fecal contaminated water is ingested. Health workers investigated several potential sources of the illness including other pools in town, and Okmulgee's water supply. But after extensive interviews with people who became sick, it was determined the source for the outbreak was at the YMCA.

The Y closed the pool voluntarily on July 23rd. State and local health workers and inspectors have met with pool managers to conduct water testing and assure that the pool is safe to reopen. The Y is treating the pool, which will likely open once the higher chlorine level drops.

Health workers are alerting doctors to be on the lookout for any additional cases. They're also reminding people who are experiencing symptoms not to swim in any other pools until they recover, which can be up to three weeks.

The Center for Disease Control lists several ways to keep yourself safe from crypto.

People going into any pool should wash their hands with soap and water.

While swimming make an effort to not swallow any of the pool water.

Don't rely on chemicals, like chlorine, to kill Crypto.

For more information on cryptosporidiosis including symptoms and prevention, click here.

Watch the video: Illness Traced To YMCA Pool

Related stories:

7/24/2007 Family Sickened By Parasite Blames Water Park

7/27/2007 Cryptosporidium Illness Confirmed