Waterborne Disease Outbreaks Associated with Splash Pads - United States, 1997-2022
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Surveillance Summaries (Washington, D.C. : 2002)
|December 3, 2024
Summary
Splash pads are linked to over 60 outbreaks of waterborne illness, primarily from Cryptosporidium. Public health guidance can help prevent future outbreaks and protect children's health.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Splash pads are recreational water play areas designed for young children.
- While intended to minimize drowning risk, splash pads can be sources of waterborne disease outbreaks.
- The first reported outbreaks associated with splash pads occurred in 1997.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize waterborne disease outbreaks linked to splash pads in the United States.
- To identify the pathogens responsible for these outbreaks and their associated health impacts.
- To inform prevention strategies for splash pad-associated illnesses.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of voluntarily reported waterborne disease outbreaks to the CDC's Waterborne Disease and Outbreak Surveillance System (WBDOSS) and its successor, the National Outbreak Reporting System (NORS).
- Data collection covered the period from 1997 to 2022.
- Outbreaks specifically associated with splash pads were identified and analyzed for case counts, hospitalizations, and causative agents.
Main Results:
- From 1997-2022, 60 outbreaks were reported across 23 states and Puerto Rico, resulting in 10,611 cases, 152 hospitalizations, and 99 emergency department visits.
- Cryptosporidium was confirmed in 40 outbreaks (67%), causing 91% of cases and 81% of hospitalizations.
- Norovirus was suspected in two outbreaks, leading to 73% of emergency department visits.
Conclusions:
- Cryptosporidium is the leading cause of reported waterborne disease outbreaks associated with splash pads due to its chlorine tolerance.
- Effective public health interventions, including adherence to the CDC's Model Aquatic Health Code, are crucial for preventing illness.
- Collaboration between public health officials and the aquatics sector is essential for improving splash pad safety and operation.
More Related Videos
10:48EPA Method 1615. Measurement of Enterovirus and Norovirus Occurrence in Water by Culture and RT-qPCR. I. Collection of Virus Samples
Published on: March 28, 2015
12.2K
06:00Four Temporary Waterslide Designs Adapted to Different Slope Conditions to Encourage Child Socialization in Playgrounds
Published on: December 9, 2022
1.9K
Related Concept Videos
01:18Steps in Outbreak Investigation
106
In the ever-evolving field of public health, statistical analysis serves as a cornerstone for understanding and managing disease outbreaks. By leveraging various statistical tools, health professionals can predict potential outbreaks, analyze ongoing situations, and devise effective responses to mitigate impact. For that to happen, there are a few possible stages of the analysis:
106
01:27Diversity of Protists II
Alveolates are a group of organisms recognized by the presence of alveoli, which are cytoplasmic sacs located beneath the cell membrane. While their function remains uncertain, alveoli may help regulate water balance by controlling how much water enters and leaves the cell. In dinoflagellates, these structures may serve as armor plates. There are three major types of alveolates: ciliates, which move using cilia; dinoflagellates, which use flagella for movement; and apicomplexans, which are...
01:20Infection
7.7K
When a pathogen enters the body and reproduces, it can cause an infection, damage body cells, and cause illness symptoms that eventually lead to disease. Therefore, its prevention requires breaking the chain of infection.
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
7.7K