Table of contents:
- Risk of disease transmission in swimming pools
- 1. Diarrhea
- 2. Muntaber
- 3. Swimmer's ear
- 4. MRSA
- 5. Hepatitis A
- Before swimming, check your pool first
Before rushing into the swimming pool, it's a good idea to stop for a moment to listen to this article. Swimming, which is supposed to be a recreational activity on the weekends, actually hides a number of health risks. There are several dangerous diseases in the swimming pool that lurk every visitor
Most public swimming pools have been sterilized with chlorine to kill pathogenic bacteria that are scattered in pool water. However, that does not mean that public swimming pools are completely safe. The disinfecting effect of chlorine can take a long time and cannot kill all types of bacteria in the pond. So, what are the diseases in swimming pools to watch out for?
Risk of disease transmission in swimming pools
1. Diarrhea
Diarrhea after swimming is caused by various bacteria that can be found in swimming pool water. Call it Shigella, Cryptosporidium, Norovirus, E. coli, and Giardia intestinalis. Some of these parasites are found in human feces, so they can spread when you accidentally swallow fecal contaminated pool water.
In fact, even though you may be diligent in showering, the average person has about 0.14 grams of poo still stuck to their bum. If you rinse the water while swimming, of course the residue can contaminate the swimming pool water. Especially if there are swimmers who have diarrhea while swimming. Human waste contains millions of germs.
Most of the diarrhea infections in swimming pools are generally caused by cryptosporidium. Chlorine can kill bacteria in just a few seconds, but cryptosporidium can live in swimming pool water for days. This is because the physical is more resilient to the effects of chlorine than other germs.
2. Muntaber
Vomiting (gastroenteritis) after swimming is generally caused by the same group of bacteria as diarrhea. The way it works is the same. Some of these parasites are found in human feces, so they can spread when you accidentally swallow fecal-contaminated pool water.
The vomiting causes the intestines to become inflamed, which can lead to a series of symptoms of digestive problems. Starting from stomach pain, stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, to fever that occurs gradually more than 1-2 days after swimming. Symptoms can last up to 5-10 days.
3. Swimmer's ear
Ears that enter water when swimming have the potential to cause an ear infection called swimmer's ear. Swimmers ear is a risk of disease in the pool that occurs due to moisture from residual water and the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa trapped in the ear after swimming.
The germs and bacteria that multiply in your ear can cause swelling and redness that feels hot and painful, and can even drain pus. In extreme cases, this infection can cause fever and pain that spreads to the face, head and neck, causing hearing loss.
4. MRSA
MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a type of staph germ that is resistant to certain antibiotics. Most MRSA infections are skin infections (pimples, boils) that may be considered spider bites; red, swollen, painful, warm to the touch, and suppurating; also accompanied by fever.
MRSA does not last long in swimming pool water that has the right pH level (7.2 - 7.8) and has been sterilized with chlorine. There have been no reports of MRSA spreading through contact with recreational water. However, MRSA can be spread in swimming pool water and other facilities through direct and indirect contact with other visitors infected with MRSA.
Transmission of infection can occur immediately if you touch someone else's MRSA infection. Indirect infection can occur when you borrow items (such as towels or razors) or touch surfaces (such as hand rails or changing room benches) that have been contaminated with MRSA. MRSA is most likely to spread when in contact with an uncovered cut or cut in the skin.
5. Hepatitis A
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver caused by a virus. But while there are many types of hepatitis, there is only one that has the potential to contaminate pool water - hepatitis A.
Hepatitis A is passed from one person to another through food, drink, or water that is contaminated with feces containing the virus. You can get hepatitis A from swallowing contaminated pool water when someone who has hepatitis accidentally defecates in the pool. The average person has about 0.14 grams of dirt still stuck to their buttocks, which if you wash them while swimming, they can contaminate the pool water.
Plus, not everyone infected with the hepatitis A virus will have symptoms.
Before swimming, check your pool first
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that you always check and check the pool before diving, to ensure safety from disease in the pool.
- Look at the water. The water should look clean, clean, and blue - right down to the bottom. You should be able to see the drain and the tile lines at the bottom. Make sure the water is constantly moving, frothing, indicating that it is being filtered.
- Smell it. Chlorine shouldn't have a strong smell. A strong chlorine odor can indicate the presence of chloramine - which is a chemical made up of chlorine mixed with body oils, sweat, urine, saliva, lotions, and feces.
- Touch the water. The inner wall of the pool should be smooth, not slippery, or sticky. Water should not stick to your hands.
- Don't swallow water. Teach the children and train yourself not to swallow pool water - and avoid even putting your fingers in your mouth.
