WYOMING — The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) is warning residents about illnesses commonly contracted during the summer season.

“If not done safely, many warm-weather activities can sometimes cause unpleasant stomach-related symptoms and occasionally serious illness,” says Courtney Tillman, an epidemiologist with WDH.

“Swallowing a small amount of indoor or outdoor recreational water can make people sick,” Tillman said. “You can’t tell by looking whether the water contains germs. Even in water treated with chlorine, some germs can survive for more than seven days.”

Diseases such as cryptosporidiosis, giardiasis and shigellosis are diarrheal illnesses caused by swallowing water from pools or outdoor sources contaminated with animal or human feces. These illnesses, along with salmonellosis, campylobacteriosis and E. coli-related illnesses, can also result from direct contact with animals or their feces during animal-related activities such as branding or petting zoos.

“Do not let young children touch live poultry (including chicks and ducklings) or touch anything in the area where the birds live and roam,” Matt Peterson, WDH epidemiologist cautions. “Backyard poultry can have Salmonella germs in their poop and on their bodies even when they look healthy and clean. The germs spread easily to their cages, coops, hay, plants and soil in the areas they live and roam.”

Tillman shared these tips:

  • Shower before getting in a pool; when chlorine mixes with dirt to sweat, there is less chlorine available to kill germs.
  • Take kids on bathroom breaks or check diapers every hour and change diapers away from the water.
  • Dry ears thoroughly with a towel.
  • Wash hands thoroughly after coming into contact with animals and their habitats, before preparing food and before eating and drinking.
  • Boil or use a filter to treat water from streams, rivers and lakes before drinking.
  • Do not swallow untreated water.
  • Do not touch wild animals or their carcasses. If concerned about a wild animal or animal carcass, contact your local animal control office.

For more information about healthy swimming, visit www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming/.