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Giardia transmission in a swimming pool.
J D Porter1, H P Ragazzoni, J D Buchanon
1Division of Field Services, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, GA 30333.
American Journal of Public Health
|June 1, 1988
Summary
An indoor swimming pool outbreak of giardiasis (a parasitic infection) affected nine individuals. Maintaining proper pool chlorine levels is crucial to prevent the spread of Giardia through contaminated water.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Giardiasis is a significant cause of gastrointestinal illness, often waterborne.
- Recreational water facilities can serve as venues for the transmission of waterborne pathogens like Giardia.
- Previous outbreaks highlight the vulnerability of swimming pool environments to parasitic contamination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate an outbreak of giardiasis linked to an indoor swimming pool.
- To identify the source and transmission route of Giardia infection within the pool setting.
- To underscore the importance of water quality management in preventing recreational waterborne diseases.
Main Methods:
- Epidemiological investigation of clinical cases and potential exposures.
- Stool specimen collection and Giardia testing for affected and exposed groups.
- Review of swimming pool water quality records, specifically chlorine levels.
Main Results:
- Nine clinical cases of giardiasis were identified, with eight confirmed by positive stool specimens.
- The highest attack rate (39%) was observed in a ladies' lap swimming group.
- A handicapped child with a fecal accident in the pool was identified as the likely source of Giardia contamination; nine individuals from his group tested positive.
Conclusions:
- Ingestion of contaminated swimming pool water was the probable mode of Giardia transmission.
- Inadequate chlorine levels were noted on the day of the fecal accident and zero the following day, facilitating the outbreak.
- This outbreak reinforces the critical need for maintaining adequate disinfectant levels and implementing prompt pool decontamination protocols after fecal incidents.