How to stay safe in from diarrhea-causing parasite in pools

July through September are the months In Arizona with the highest breakouts of Cryptosporidiosis, a diarrheal illness is commonly spread in recreational water.

While many people think because they chlorinate their pool water that their pools are clean. The parasite, Crypto has a protective shell that is very resistant to chlorine waters.

The illness is spread when stool from a sick person gets swallowed by someone else in a contaminated pool.

The illness can be spread from lakes and streams, as well.

Best way to avoid getting Crypto:

-Washing your hands after using the bathroom and changing a diaper

-Keeping your kids and yourself home if you have diarrhea

-Avoid swallowing pool or recreational water

If you get infected with the illness - symptoms include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps or pain, nausea, vomiting, fever and weight loss.

Symptoms generally begin 2 to 10 days after becoming infected with the parasite and lasts for about two weeks.

Some rules for healthy swimming from the Arizona Department of Health Services:

-Shower before swimming to keep pee, poop, sweat, blood, and dirt out of the water

-Encourage young children to take frequent bathroom breaks and avoid accidents in the pool

-Don't swallow pool water

-Don't swim with diarrhea or for two weeks after diarrhea resolves.