Swimming advice to keep pools free from infection

Notices advising people with upset stomachs not to swim until they have fully recovered and been free of symptoms for at least 48 hours are being posted in swimming pools across Greater Manchester.

The advice is being issued to ensure that people who may have contracted an infection named cryptosporidiosis whilst swimming during overseas holidays or from contact with animals in the UK or abroad do not introduce it into local swimming pools.

Dr Rosemary McCann, a consultant with the HPA’s Greater Manchester Health Protection Unit, said: “Swimming is a very enjoyable activity and a great way to keep fit. It is very relaxing and can bring positive benefits to our mental health. However, on rare occasions an illness called cryptosporidiosis can affect swimmers.

“People tend to pick up the infection when they are swimming abroad and it is all too easy to introduce it to swimming pools in this country if people swim before they are fully clear of infection.”

Cryptosporidiosis is caused by a tiny parasite named cryptosporidium that is commonly found in lakes, streams, rivers and untreated drinking water. It can be a particular problem if introduced to swimming pools as the organisms are resistant to chlorine-based disinfectants.

The advice to the public is: 

• Never swim while you have diarrhoea as chlorine does not kill all germs instantly
• If you have had vomiting or diarrhoea in the past few days, do not swim until you have recovered and been free of symptoms for 48 hours.
• If your doctor says that your stomach upset was caused by cryptosporidiosis, don’t swim until you have been free of all symptoms for 14 days.
• Shower before swimming
• Wearing swimming caps and removing make-up will help the swimming pool chemicals to work better
• If you become unwell during a visit to the pool, please report this to a member of staff 

In addition to the public information posters, schools, swimming teachers and swimming pool operators have been asked to play a part in raising awareness about cryptosporidiosis amongst teachers who take children swimming, the pupils themselves and swimmers generally.