By Elana Gordon
SHAWNEE, Ks. – Environmental officials in Johnson County are strongly recommending that all area swimming pools close for the summer because of an outbreak of Cryptosporidium, a contagious intestinal parasite.
The Kansas City Star reports that 11 area pools had been implicated as of Friday in the transmission of Cryptosporidium, and that county health officials have taken more then 30 reports in recent weeks of Cryptosporidiosis (Crypto), the disease caused by the parasite.
Cryptosporidium is spread by contact with the stool of an infected person. The parasite is chlorine resistant and can live for days in treated water.
Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, nausea and vomiting.
County health officials are urging that people with diarrhea not swim for two weeks after sypmtoms stop.
"We apologize for any inconvenience this causes our residents," said Parks and Recreation Director Gary Ristow, in a news release this morning regarding the closure of Indian Trails Pool. "But the safety of our citizens is our top priority, and we believe this is the most prudent course of action at this time."
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