How to Protect Against Diseases That Can Be Transmitted in Water and Pools?

Diseases caused by microbes and chemical substances present in the water we swim in are referred to as recreational water illnesses (RWIs). These illnesses can be transmitted by swallowing, inhaling vapors, or coming into contact with contaminated water in swimming pools, hot tubs, and water parks. Interactive water sources, lakes, rivers, and seas are also places where these diseases can spread. Recreational water illnesses caused by chemicals that are in liquid or gas form can lead to air quality issues in indoor water facilities

What Are Recreational Water Illnesses?

Recreational water illnesses can manifest as a wide range of infections affecting the skin, ears, eyes, digestive, respiratory, and neurological systems. Some common forms of RWIs that can lead to serious consequences are presented below.

1. Diarrhea: The most frequently reported form is diarrhea. Diseases that present as diarrhea are often caused by bacteria such as Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Shigella, E. coli O157
   , and norovirus. These microbes can enter the water if an infected child contaminates the water while swimming or if an adult has a fecal accident.
2. Urinary Tract Infections: Urinary tract, genital fungal, and vaginal infections are also commonly encountered. Symptoms of these illnesses include burning during urination, frequent urination, pain in the lower back and groin, and burning, itching, and discharge in the genital area.
3. Red Eye: A category of viruses known as adenoviruses frequently causes red eye disease. These viruses can lead not only to red eye but also to croup, colds, sore throat, and diarrhea.
4. Outer Ear Canal Infections: Ear infections arise when dirty water that enters the ear is not cleaned out after swimming. Known as "swimmer's ear" or otitis externa, this infection is not the same as the common childhood middle ear infection. The infection occurs in the outer ear canal and can be seen in swimmers of all ages, causing pain and discomfort.
5. Molluscum Contagiosum: Molluscum contagiosum is a skin disease caused by poxviruses, characterized by wart-like rashes. Although it does not spread through swimming pool water, sharing towels and toys with an infected child or adult can result in transmission.
6. Hepatitis A: This is a viral infection that affects the liver, causing jaundice, abdominal pain, fatigue, nausea, and fever. While it is often spread through contaminated food, it can also be transmitted through contaminated water, although to a lesser extent.
7. Naegleria: Naegleria fowleri is a microorganism that causes a very serious and often fatal infection. Although rare, it can sometimes be found in warm freshwater pools and lakes and is colloquially known as the "brain-eating amoeba."

For the treatment of all these diseases, it is essential to consult the infectious diseases department, also known as the infectious diseases and clinical microbiology department.

Risk Groups for Diseases Transmitted from Pools and the Sea

Children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems (such as those with AIDS or those who have undergone organ transplants or chemotherapy) may experience more severe illness if infected. Individuals in these risk groups should be aware that recreational water can be contaminated with human or animal feces containing the Cryptosporidium bacterium, as this bacterium can cause life-threatening infections in those with weakened immune systems.

Ways to Protect Against Diseases Transmitted from Pools and the Sea

To protect yourself, your loved ones, and your children from RWIs while swimming, there are several easy and effective healthy swimming steps that you can always follow. It is beneficial to pay attention to certain measures before entering the pool.

• Check the latest analysis results of the pool.
• Ensure that the drain hole at the bottom of the pool is visible from the outside.
• Use pool test strips to confirm that the pH level and free chlorine or bromine concentration are correct.
• Ensure that there are no chemicals exposed.
• Avoid the pool if you have diarrhea.
• Use waterproof bandages if you have an open wound.
• Take a shower before entering the water. Just 1 minute of rinsing in the shower cleanses your body of dirt and other contaminants, helping to keep the pool clean.
• If there are doubts about the cleanliness of the sea or pool, ensure that individuals in the risk group with weakened immune systems stay out of the water.
• Use goggles and earplugs to protect against eye and ear infections, and thoroughly dry your ears after exiting the water.
• Avoid sharing personal items like towels and flip-flops.
• Remove wet swimwear as soon as possible.
• Prefer swimming in the sea, where the risk of infection is lower, instead of the pool.

Note: If you experience any symptoms of diseases transmitted from the sea or pool, it is essential to consult the infectious diseases department as soon as possible.