Could Summer Fun Be Making You Sick?

Did you know swimming and playing in lakes, rivers, pools and other water can cause you or your family to get sick?

Illness can be caused by germs and chemicals found in the water we swim or play in. This includes swimming pools, water parks, hot tubs, splash pads, and freshwater such as lakes, and rivers. Swallowing, breathing in mists of, or having contact with unclean water can spread illness.

The most common type of illness is diarrhea. Cryptosporidium, E. coli, norovirus, and Shigella are common germs that cause illness.

The most common symptoms of these illnesses include diarrhea (sometimes bloody), vomiting, stomach cramps, loss of appetite, weight loss, and fever. Other illnesses can cause skin, ear, eye, breathing, or brain symptoms.

Here are some tips to help protect yourself, your family, and others:

• Stay out of the water if you have diarrhea.
• Shower before and after swimming.
• Don’t drink the water. Tell children not to drink or take the water into their mouth.
• Take children to the bathroom often.
• Change diapers often and away from the water. Wash your hands and the child’s hands after changing diapers.

Our summers are short. Get out and enjoy the water while keeping these tips in mind. For more information visit, https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/swimmers/rwi.html