Recreational Water Illnesses (RWI’s) are on the rise. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, www.cdc.org) reports on disease outbreaks every two years and the increases in RWI’s have been alarming.
Among the most common illnesses related to commercial/public pools, spas, therapy pools, hot tubs and water parks are Cryptosporidium (Crypto), Shigella, Giardia, E. coli, Adenovirus, Hepatitis A, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Swimmer’s Ear, Legionnaires Disease, Molluscipoxvirus, Plantar Warts, and Athlete’s Foot.
Some of these terms are familiar, others, you’re not even sure how to pronounce, much less know what it is. At the very least, none of them are good and you certainly don’t want any of them mentioned in relation to your facility.
The really disappointing news is that, of the reported cases, nearly one quarter could have been prevented simply by having the proper level of sanitizer present in the water. Maintaining a healthy, safe environment for bathers doesn’t have to be difficult but it does require consistency and having a plan for when things happen.
The above bacterium, viruses and parasites are grouped into two categories, the first 6 are Fecal Related Illnesses or Enteric and the remaining 6 are Non-Enteric Illnesses.
Every facility should have a plan in place for enteric incidents. Every person who is responsible for the pool should know exactly what to do if there is a Fecal Accident. It should be taught, rehearsed and practiced by all pool staff and posted where everyone can see it.
The parasite, Crypto, is a growing problem due to a lack of knowledge and action by too many operators and facilities, as well as lax policies and/or enforcement of policies.
Crypto can live in properly sanitized water for 10.6 days. This makes it all the more important that everyone, involved, knows what to do in the case of a fecal accident. The parasite goes through two stages with the second stage being resistant to chlorine and has an incubation period of up to seven days. Affected bathers could have symptoms of diarrhea, cramping, fever and vomiting for up to 2 weeks. Patients with weaker immune systems, including young children or the elderly, may have the disease for life. As of this writing, there are no known drug treatments for Cryptosporidiosis.
Each of the above conditions can cause serious problems for bathers and can cost the facilities where they are contracted thousands of dollars due to refunds, fines and any legal settlements resulting from illnesses. Future revenues can also be affected due to bad press/publicity causing fewer future guests. Especially with users posting reviews online about their experiences, just imagine what one bad review could do to your hotel, motel, fitness club, or housing association.
“An ounce of knowledge is worth a pound of flesh”… don’t take any chances with your pool or the health and safety of your guests.
Article by,
Jef Kirchmaier, CPO
No comments:
Post a Comment