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During 2003–2004, consistent with previous years, a total of 62 waterborne outbreaks associated with recreational water were reported by 26 states and Guam. Illness occurred in 2,698 persons, resulting in 58 hospitalizations and one death. The median outbreak size was 14 persons (range: 1–617 persons). Of the 62 outbreaks, 30 (48.4 percent) were outbreaks of gastroenteritis that resulted from infectious agents, chemicals, or toxins; 13 (21.0 percent) were outbreaks of dermatitis; and seven (11.3 percent) were outbreaks of acute respiratory illness.
Date Released: 5/18/2007 Running time: 0:59 Author: MMWR Series Name: A Minute of Health with CDC
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A MINUTE OF HEALTH WITH CDC
Your Health, Swimming, and Waterborne Illnesses
Surveillance for Waterborne Disease and Outbreaks
Associated with Recreational Waters
May 18, 2007
This program is presented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
CDC – safer, healthier people.
Each year, millions enjoy swimming in public pools, lakes, rivers, and the
ocean. However the cost of cooling off can be high: a recent CDC report found
that during
2003 and 2004 nearly three thousand Americans got sick from water in recreational
areas. Diarrhea was the most common illness reported, with most outbreaks occurring
in swimming pools, spas, and water parks.
Even though chlorine kills germs that can make people sick, some bugs like
the parasite, Cryptosporidium, are chlorine-resistant. Protect yourself and
others:
Never swim if you have diarrhea, don’t swallow pool water, always shower
before swimming, and with young children, take frequent bathroom breaks and
check diapers often.
Thank you for joining us on A Minute of Health with CDC.
To access the most accurate and relevant health information that affects
you, your family and your community, please visit www.cdc.gov.