Listen to/view CDC podcasts on your computer or download them for reliable health and safety information when and where you want it. New to podcasting? See Podcast Help and RSS Help

Your Health, Swimming, and Waterborne Illnesses

During 2003–2004, consistent with previous years, a total of 62 waterborne outbreaks associated with recreational water were reported by 26 states and Guam. Illness occurred in 2,698 persons, resulting in 58 hospitalizations and one death. The median outbreak size was 14 persons (range: 1–617 persons). Of the 62 outbreaks, 30 (48.4 percent) were outbreaks of gastroenteritis that resulted from infectious agents, chemicals, or toxins; 13 (21.0 percent) were outbreaks of dermatitis; and seven (11.3 percent) were outbreaks of acute respiratory illness. Created: 12/22/2006 by MMWR. Date Released: 5/18/2007. Series Name: A Minute of Health with CDC.

Download this transcript (14KB)

A MINUTE OF HEALTH WITH CDC
Your Health, Swimming, and Waterborne Illnesses
Surveillance for Waterborne Disease and Outbreaks
Associated with Recreational Waters
May 18, 2007

This program is presented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC – safer, healthier people.

Each year, millions enjoy swimming in public pools, lakes, rivers, and the ocean. However the cost of cooling off can be high: a recent CDC report found that during 2003 and 2004 nearly three thousand Americans got sick from water in recreational areas. Diarrhea was the most common illness reported, with most outbreaks occurring in swimming pools, spas, and water parks.

Even though chlorine kills germs that can make people sick, some bugs like the parasite, Cryptosporidium, are chlorine-resistant. Protect yourself and others: Never swim if you have diarrhea, don’t swallow pool water, always shower before swimming, and with young children, take frequent bathroom breaks and check diapers often.

Thank you for joining us on A Minute of Health with CDC.

To access the most accurate and relevant health information that affects you, your family and your community, please visit www.cdc.gov.

Download this transcript

(14KB) A MINUTE OF HEALTH WITH CDC
Your Health, Swimming, and Waterborne Illnesses
Surveillance for Waterborne Disease and Outbreaks
Associated with Recreational Waters
May 18, 2007 This program is presented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC – safer, healthier people. Each year, millions enjoy swimming in public pools, lakes, rivers, and the ocean. However the cost of cooling off can be high: a recent CDC report found that during 2003 and 2004 nearly three thousand Americans got sick from water in recreational areas. Diarrhea was the most common illness reported, with most outbreaks occurring in swimming pools, spas, and water parks. Even though chlorine kills germs that can make people sick, some bugs like the parasite, Cryptosporidium, are chlorine-resistant. Protect yourself and others: Never swim if you have diarrhea, don’t swallow pool water, always shower before swimming, and with young children, take frequent bathroom breaks and check diapers often. Thank you for joining us on A Minute of Health with CDC.

To access the most accurate and relevant health information that affects you, your family and your community, please visit www.cdc.gov.

Page last modified Friday, May 18, 2007

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Your Online Source for Credible Health Information

Podcasts at CDC

CDC A-Z Index

Text Size:

Your Health, Swimming, and Waterborne Illnesses

Download this transcript (14KB)