Uncovering dangers of untreated water-related diseases in swimming pools

Many times, we look at swimming as only a recreational activity more than it is a healthy activity.  If you have never thought beyond just the fun one has while swimming now is the time to do so because according to research conducted by the Centre for Disease Control in the US in 2018, most of the disease outbreaks can be traced back to water contaminated with chemicals or pathogens.

In the study, public health officials from 46 American States voluntarily reported 493 untreated recreational water-associated outbreaks. These outbreaks resulted in 27,219 cases of waterborne diseases and eight deaths.  Among the 363 outbreaks with a confirmed infectious cause, 212 were caused by cryptosporidium, a parasite that causes respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses.

However, with all these risks, most swimmers are not knowledgeable about the dangers that dirty recreational water possesses as  Sarah Murimi, head of recreation services at the Kigali Marriott Hotel explains.

Swimming pools if not well treated and maintained can be habitants of lots of bacteria and parasites. Although ideally there should be standards set for every swimming pool, as well as restrictions for every swimmer before accessing the pool.

Treatment of the swimming pool should not be only about putting chlorine, there are specific measurements such that it is not too much or less as well as timing of the treatment matters

There are several health risks that are associated with unhygienic swimming pools. Dr. Menelas Nkeshimana explains that while swimming, one swallows water that is infected with bacteria such as E.Coli, Giardia and sometimes but very rarely flesh-eating bacteria which is deadly.

Research shows that there are some bacterias that are resistant to the treatment of the pool and extra measures should be taken in such cases.

Asked whether he receives patients suffering from infections from swimming in dirty water, Dr. Menelas affirms and calls upon the responsible parties to continue frequent inspections of the public swimming pools. He also calls upon the general public to be the first custodians of their health by practicing good sanitation as well as being mindful. 

Ministry of Health is responsible for the inspection of pools and ensuring that the standards set are followed through and executed. However, efforts to get a comment from the ministry regarding how often these inspections are conducted were futile.