CDC warns of fecal bacteria lurking in pools, splash parks

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Many families in Charlotte are heading to a pool or splash park to beat the heat, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials have a warning about a waterborne parasite that could make people sick.

However, while the water areas may be fun, the CDC has a new warning on the hidden dangers.

Alisha Askew's and her 6-year-old son went to the First Ward Splash Pad Monday to cool down and have fun.

"When I go somewhere, I feel confident that it is a clean and sanitary place, so things like crypto don’t cross my mind," Askew said.

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Cryptosporidium is a parasite that is in feces and can possibly be found in a pool or splash park. When swallowed, it could cause sickness.

Chlorine doesn’t kill the parasite.

A CDC report showed a 13% increase in crypto outbreaks each year between 2009 and 2017. During that time period, there were 444 outbreaks, which caused 7,465 people to get sick in the country. Out of those cases, 35% happened in pools and water playgrounds. Some led to hospitalizations.

There is an average of 32 cases in Mecklenburg County over the past three years.

There have been five in the county this year.

Tim Dutcher, who is with the health department, said the most recent cases weren't pool related. People can also get it from farm animals and day care centers.

He said pools did lead to some cases last year and more could be coming this summer.

"Crypto is a micro-organism. You’ll never know it was in the water if you looked at it," Dutcher said.

Parents play a big part in preventing the spread.

"If you have a child that has had diarrhea in the last week, keep them out of the water, even though they want to,” Dutcher said. “And it’s always best to shower before and after they swim.”

Cox Media Group