Pennsylvania Department of Health reminds parents to keep sick children out of swimming pools

LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. — As temperatures rise and families prepare for summer swimming activities, the Pennsylvania Department of Health is reminding parents and caregivers to keep children with diarrhea out of swimming pools and other recreational waters.

The advisory comes as part of ongoing efforts to prevent waterborne illness outbreaks that can affect multiple swimmers and contaminate entire pools.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that diarrhea is one of the most common illnesses linked to recreational waters. Swimmers can become sick by swallowing contaminated water in pools, hot tubs, lakes, rivers or the ocean.

Health officials emphasize that chlorine doesn’t kill germs instantly, and parasites like Cryptosporidium that cause diarrhea can survive in properly chlorinated pools for days.

The reminder takes on added significance given past outbreaks in Pennsylvania. In June 2021, the state health department received multiple complaints of gastrointestinal illness from patrons of a community swimming pool, leading to 15 confirmed cases of E. coli infection in children aged 4 to 14.

The outbreak resulted in 13 children seeking medical evaluation and six requiring hospitalization. Investigation revealed the pool’s automatic chlorinator had malfunctioned, with records showing at least one instance of no detectable chlorine in the water.

Health officials recommend that children with diarrhea should stay out of swimming areas until they are no longer experiencing symptoms. The CDC advises extended waiting periods for certain infections like Cryptosporidium. Parents should also ensure children shower before swimming, take frequent bathroom breaks, and avoid swallowing pool water.

Pool operators are required to maintain proper chemical levels and follow state regulations outlined in Title 28, Chapter 18 of the Pennsylvania Code, which governs public swimming and bathing places. The health department conducts regular inspections of public pools and bathing facilities to ensure compliance with safety standards.

As summer approaches, health officials stress that following these simple guidelines can help ensure swimming remains a safe and enjoyable activity for all families throughout the season.

For more information about recreational water safety, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Health website.