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E. coli, P. aeruginosa common in public pools
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CDC researchers have found evidence of fecal bacteria in samples of water from filters collected at public pools, according to a report in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
“Swimming is an excellent way to get the physical activity needed to stay healthy,” Michele Hlavsa, chief of the Healthy Swimming Program at the CDC, said in a press release. “However, pool users should be aware of how to prevent infections while swimming.”
Michele Hlavsa
During the 2012 summer season, the researchers took 161 filter water samples from public pools in the metro-Atlanta area and conducted quantitative PCR assays. Escherichia coli was detected in 93 (58%) of the samples, which confirms that feces are often introduced into pool water. None of the samples tested positive for E. coli O157:H7.
They also found Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 95 (59%) of the samples, indicating that the pools have natural environmental contamination or other contamination introduced by swimmers. Giardia intestinalis and Cryptosporidium spp. were found in less than 2% of the samples.
The tests used do not indicate whether the bacteria were alive and able to cause infection. The study included indoor and outdoor public pools, but did not include water parks, residential pools or other types of recreational water. CDC also cannot make this conclusion about all pools in the United States.
“Chlorine and other disinfectants don’t kill germs instantly,” Hlavsa said. “That’s why it’s important for swimmers to protect themselves by not swallowing the water they swim in and to protect others by keeping feces and germs out of the pool by taking a pre-swim shower and not swimming when ill with diarrhea.”
CDC recommends that all swimmers shower with soap before swimming, take bathroom breaks every 60 minutes and wash their hands with soap after using the toilet or changing diapers. They also recommend that pools have proper chlorine levels (1-3 mg/L) and pH levels (7.2-7.8).
Disclosure: Hlavsa reports no relevant financial disclosures.
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