By Esther Lauaki
Swim clear of germs contaminating public pools this summer, Victoria’s acting chief health officer warns.
Brett Sutton said chlorine kills most germs in public pools but some germs, such as cryptosporidium, are highly resistant to chlorine at normal concentrations.
Dr Sutton said outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis associated with pools occur when swimmers accidentally swallow pool water contaminated with the germ.
“The germs can live in pool water for days and make people sick,” he said.
“Everyone has a responsibility to keep themselves and others safe and healthy and help keep the pool clean.
“Even in the best maintained pools, germs on your body can wash off and contaminate the water.
“You and your children are more likely to be infectious when not feeling well.”
He warned anyone with vomiting or diarrhoea to stay out of the water.
“Even when you are recovering, stay out of the water until the symptoms have stopped,” he said.
Healthy swimming starter kits have been provided to every child taking part in VicSwim’s 2018-19 Summer Learn to Swim program.
Dr Sutton said crypto outbreaks are more common during summer, when more people are enjoying swimming pools to try and beat the heat.
In 2018 there were 780 cases of crypto notified to the Department of Health and Human Services, with six outbreaks linked to pools.
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