Swimming Pool Parasite Infections on the Rise

Houston, TX -- Harris County health officials are reporting an increase in cryptosporidium infections this year. Cryptosporidium, or crypto, is a parasite found in recreational water features, including pools and splash pads.

The parasite spreads when infected people defecate in the water and the contaminated water is ingested by another person. The symptoms of infection include diarrhea that can last for weeks, stomach pain and a low-grade fever.

Infants, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems can become severely ill and die. To avoid spreading or becoming infected with crypto people with diarrhea need to stay away from pools, swimmers need to keep their mouths closed and pool tenders need to shock their pools.

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