PREVENT WATER-BORNE ILLNESS
Safe summer swimming tips

Volusia County, Fla. - When school lets out for the summer, families will be heading to water to beat the heat. The mercury will climb and local waterways will continue to warm – creating a growing environment for naturally occurring organisms. During Healthy and Safe Swimming Week May 23-29, the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County (DOH-Volusia) is striving to build awareness of safe summer swimming in rivers, lakes and pools.

“The benefits of water-based activities – or any form of activity, are essential for good health,” said DOH-Volusia Disease Control Director Paul Rehme. “However, we want to make sure our residents and visitors are aware of disease-causing organisms in the water and ways to prevent infection.”

Vibrio, cryptosporidium and Naegleria are three organisms found in recreational waters. That includes brackish water, fresh water and chlorinated swimming pools and spas. “Each of these organisms lives in different areas and are naturally occurring,” Rehme added. “Swimmers can largely decrease their chances of contracting one with a few preventative steps.”

Vibrio refers to a diverse group of marine bacteria that live in warm, coastal areas with brackish water such as the Halifax and Indian rivers. It is found in higher concentrations in stagnant, inshore waters during warm, rainy months from April - November. Several Vibrio species organisms can cause severe wound infections, especially in people with weakened immune systems or other chronic illnesses. Infections occur through exposure of an open wound to the water while fishing and swimming. To prevent infection, don’t expose open wounds or broken skin to warm salt or brackish water or to raw shellfish from these waters. Wear protective clothing when handling raw shellfish.

Cryptosporidiosis is caused by an organism found in pools, hot tubs, fountains, lakes, rivers, springs, ponds or streams. It causes diarrhea that can last two to three weeks. Chlorine and other disinfectants kill most germs within minutes, but Cryptospiridia organisms are resistant to routine chlorination. Young children, pregnant woman and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk. It is spread by swallowing contaminated water or putting something in your mouth that has come in contact with infected surfaces such as pool furniture, picnic tables and bathroom fixtures that have been contaminated with feces from an infected person. Prevention includes not swallowing the water, staying out of the water for two weeks after experiencing diarrhea, showering before entering and using the restroom in designated facilities – not the pool or hot tub, Rehme explained.

Naegleria fowleri is found in Central Florida’s warm, freshwater lakes and rivers. It is not found in properly maintained swimming pools. The organism can enter the body through the nose when swimming or diving. It then travels to the brain where it destroys brain tissue and causes death. “It is rare for someone to be infected by this amoeba,” Rehme added. “However, people should assume there always is a low-level of risk when swimming in warm freshwater bodies of water.”

In addition to avoiding freshwater lakes and ponds when air temperatures are high or water levels are low, swimmers should use nose clips, hold their nose closed or keep their head above water. Digging or stirring up bottom sediment in shallow, fresh water areas also can increase chances of contracting the organism. “Just two and a half hours of water-based (or other forms of) physical activity a week have health benefits across a lifetime,” Rehme added. “We don’t want to discourage people from being active in the water. We just want them to be informed and protect themselves this summer.”

For more information on these water-borne illnesses, log on to volusiahealth.com.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook.

For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.