CDC Issues Warning of Cryptosporidium Parasite in Swimming Pools

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning regarding a waterborne parasite known as Cryptosporidium (“Crypto”) that can survive for days even in well-maintained swimming pools and water playgrounds. Crypto is an intestinal parasite that has a fecal-oral transmission route. It is found in water, food, soil or surfaces that have been contaminated with the feces from an infected person or animal.

Millions of these parasites can be released in a bowel movement from an infected human. If an individual infected with Crypto has an “accident” in a swimming pool, ingesting even a small amount of such water can make someone sick. Certain groups of people including the seriously ill, young children, pregnant women and individuals with weakened immune systems are more prone to acquiring the illness.

“You may know that chlorine is applied in most swimming pools to kill germs, but you may not be aware that chlorine does not kill all germs instantly,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Whether you’re a commercial swimming facility manager, swimming pool owner or individual that enjoys swimming, safety is definitely your first concern. EMSL can test pool water for Crypto as well as other harmful parasites and bacteria. Sampling is easy, often requiring only one liter of backwash pool water.”

Crypto can also spread by hands contaminated after changing a diaper or after having a bowel movement. From contaminated hands, the parasites can then be transferred to food, surfaces and toys. Infection occurs when putting something in your mouth or swallowing something that has come into contact with feces contaminated with Crypto.

The CDC reported 7,465 cases in 40 states and Puerto Rico from 2009 to 2017. Crypto is the leading cause of outbreaks of diarrhea linked to water and the third leading cause of diarrhea associated with animal contact in the United States. The CDC noted leading causes include swallowing contaminated water in pools or water playgrounds, contacting infected cattle and contacting infected people in child care settings.

EMSL Analytical, Inc. offers testing for Crypto, waterborne pathogens and rapid testing for fecal contamination using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). EMSL can test swimming pool water for Giardia, Shigella, E. coli, Legionella, Acanthamoeba, Naegleria fowleri, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella and more. For pricing and testing, call 1-800-220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com . To learn more, please visit www.EMSL.com.


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 45 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail