UPDATE: The pools at the Durango Community Recreation Center reopened Wednesday morning after they were cleaned as a precaution to prevent the spread of a waterborne disease.
The staff closed the pool after they were notified two children with cryptosporidiosis, a diarrhea-causing swam there.
The source of Cryptosporidiosis, also known as crypto, has not been confirmed, according to the San Juan Basin Health Department.
Crypto is caused by a microscopic parasite that can survive outside the body, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. An outer shell around the parasite allows it to tolerate chlorine disinfection.
As soon as the center was notified of the diagnosis, all three pools were closed for cleaning, said Cathy Metz, city parks and recreation director.
The center treated the pools with a high level of chlorine Monday night, according to standard procedure, she said.
One child visited the center between Jan. 12 and Jan. 15. The other on Jan. 17, she said.
The health department was notified of the first case of crypto on Friday afternoon and the second case on Sunday, Liane Jollon, executive director, said in an email.
She could not comment on the condition of the children.
In addition to diarrhea, the parasite can cause stomach cramps and nausea. These symptoms generally begin two to 10 days after a person becomes infected, the Health Department statement said. The symptoms generally last a week or two, but they can persist up to four weeks or more.
Crypto can be spread by swallowing water contaminated with the parasite. You can also catch it by swallowing something that has come in contact with the parasite.
Young children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are the most at risk, the statement said.
Anyone with diarrhea should refrain from swimming. Those diagnosed with crypto should wait at least two weeks after the their symptoms have passed to swim.
Most people with healthy immune systems will recover from crypto without treatment, Jollon said.
mshinn@durangoherald.com
Cryptosporidiosis symptoms
The Durango Community Recreation Center pools were closed after patrons who swam there were diagnosed with a waterborne disease.
These are the symptoms of cryptosporidiosis, or crypto:
Watery diarrhea.
Stomach cramps or pain.
Dehydration.
Nausea.
Vomiting.
Fever.
Weight loss.
Healthy swimming
The San Juan Basin Health Department recommends swimmers follow these guidelines for proper pool use:
Do not swim if you suspect you may have cryptosporidiosis.
Do not swim if you have diarrhea.
Shower before swimming.
Don’t urinate or defecate in the water.
Don’t swallow pool water.
Take kids on hourly bathroom breaks.
Check diapers, and change them in a bathroom.
