During the years 2011-2012, date of the latest statistics from the American Center for Disease Control (CDC), the number of infections caught in swimming pools (whether in gymnasiums, resorts or luxury hotels) increased sharply, affecting 1788 people and causing one death. At a time when everyone is crowding around ponds and water points to try to escape the heat wave, the CDC draws attention to the three main infections that can be caught there.
A cryptosporidium infection
Cryptosporidium is a parasite that ends up in the water if feces (even just traces) of an infected person enters the pool. As this parasite is resistant to chlorine and can survive for a long time outside the body, it can cause nausea and diarrhea in a person who accidentally swallows pool water.
To protect yourself: do not swallow the water pool and never touch your face and mouth with your hands until you have soaped up when you get out of the pool.
Eye irritation
This can happen if you are allergic to chlorine, of course. But it mostly happens because of a chemical reaction that occurs when chlorine comes into contact with urine. A third compound is then created by chemical reaction, making pool water aggressive for the eyes.
To protect yourself: wear a properly fitted pair of goggles every time you swim.
Hot bath folliculitis
This form of folliculitis (an infection of the hair follicles by bacteria) most often occurs after a stay in a spa where the chlorine level is insufficient to prevent the proliferation of the pseudomonas bacteria. Within hours (and up to 5 days) of exposure to this bacteria, a rash and itching appear, often on areas of skin in contact with the swimsuit. It’s uncomfortable but that’s okay.
To protect yourself: after a stay in a spa or hot tub, shower and soap yourself without delay and systematically wash your swimsuit before wearing it again.
Read also :
When on vacation by a swimming pool, how do you check safety?
Recognize the signs of drowning
