WYOMING — The Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) is warning residents about illnesses commonly contracted through water.
“Each of us can play a role in preventing illnesses when we swim, play and relax in and near water whether outdoors in warm weather or indoors year-round,” said Courtney Tillman, 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 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 generally caused when germs get into the pools and outdoor water sources from animal and human feces. Symptoms can occur days to weeks after exposure and include diarrhea, stomach cramping, gas, bloating, nausea and appetite loss.
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.
- Do not swallow untreated water.
- Boil or use a filter to treat water from streams, rivers, and lakes before drinking.
For more information about healthy swimming, visit www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming/.
