Cryptosporidium parvum is a parasitic protozoan micro-organism which causes an infection of the gastrointestinal tract called Cryptosporidiosis. Giardia lamblia is the main parasitic protozoan micro-organism which causes an infection of the upper gastrointestinal tract called Giardiasis. Both micro-organisms cause diarrhoea. People who have had diarrhoea within the previous two weeks should not swim in any swimming pool or spa.
Cryptosporidium parvum is a parasitic protozoan micro-organism which causes an infection of the gastrointestinal tract called Cryptosporidiosis. Symptoms include anorexia, vomiting, cramping abdominal pain, profuse watery diarrhoea, and sometimes fever and depression. The symptoms may wax and wane over the period of infection which tends to be self-limited to about 30 days. The illness is more common in infants and children due to their lack of personal hygiene. Cryptosporidiosis could be a serious illness for those infected with HIV. There is no treatment for Cryptosporidiosis. Diagnosis is by isolation and microscopic identification of parasites or oocysts from faecal samples. The incubation period from ingestion to symptoms is up to 12 days but commonly 7 days. Asymptomatic carriers are common. Outbreaks tend to occur every few years.
The parasite invades and multiplies in the gastro-intestinal tract causing illness and producing oocysts. The oocysts are the infective form of the parasite and pass out in faeces to infect other individuals through direct contact or through ingesting faecally contaminated swimming pool water. Oocysts are chlorine and bromine resistant at normal pool operating concentrations.
Giardia lamblia is the main parasitic protozoan micro-organism which causes an infection of the upper gastrointestinal tract called Giardiasis. Symptoms include abdominal cramps, chronic diarrhoea, bloating, fatigue and weight loss. Malabsorption of fats or fat soluble vitamins may occur. The illness is more common in infants and children due to their lack of personal hygiene. The incubation period from ingestion to symptoms is up to 25 days but commonly 7 to 10 days. Asymptomatic carrier rate is high. Anti-infective drug treatment is available.
The parasite invades and multiplies in the upper gastro-intestinal tract causing illness and producing cysts. The cysts are the infective form of the parasite and pass out in faeces to infect other individuals mainly through direct contact or through ingesting faecally contaminated swimming pool water. Oocysts are slightly chlorine and bromine resistant at normal pool operating concentrations.
Management can be considered in three categories: hygiene, education and pool operations.
People who have had diarrhoea within the previous two weeks should not swim in any swimming pool or spa.
The following personal hygiene points are important:
Staff and swimmers should be educated in their responsibilities to minimise disease transmission. Additionally, staff have a duty of care to their swimmers. The following educational strategies are recommended:
The Public Swimming Pool and Spa Pool Advisory Document provides detailed explanations and information on disinfection, pool chemistry, risk assessment and other issues relevant to swimming pool operation (see Chapter 8 for further information).
Public swimming pool issues may be discussed with an environmental health officer at a local Public Health Unit by calling 1300 066 055, or at your local council.