Although the state has seen cooler temperatures recently, there are sure to be many more days this summer when Iowans will feel like cooling off in their local swimming pool or lake. If you have been sick with diarrhea or an upset stomach, however, the Iowa Department of Public Health’s recommendation is to stay out of the water.
“Two weeks. That’s how long you need to wait before going back into the water if you’ve had diarrhea due to cryptosporidiosis (crypto),” said Dr. Patricia Quinlisk, state epidemiologist at IDPH. “Crypto is one of the most common waterborne diseases and it can spread very easily in recreational water.”
Currently, there are outbreaks of crypto in several Iowa counties that have been linked to swimming pools. Especially high numbers of cases have been reported in Dubuque and Cerro Gordo Counties.
Crypto can cause watery diarrhea, dehydration, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Symptoms typically occur 2 to 12 days after exposure but the illness may go in cycles of getting better then worse before the illness ends. To ensure crypto doesn’t spread to others, people who have been sick should stay out of recreational water for two weeks, especially children in diapers.
If you think you might have crypto, see your doctor. To avoid getting crypto yourself, do not swallow recreational water. Also remember to wash hands thoroughly after going to the bathroom and before eating.
“Also remember that a fun and safe way to cool off is to just run through the sprinkler,” Dr. Quinlisk added.-IDPH Press Release
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