Beware of Infections from Swimming Pools
PAU Hospitals Infection Department Head Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Turgut warned about the risks arising from swimming pools, especially in the summer months.
Health risks from pool water can be summarized as follows:
• Disorders such as vomiting and diarrhea caused by microorganisms such as Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Shigella, norovirus and E. coli O157: H7,
• Irritation of the skin and eyes due to high or low pH or the rise of chloramine due to organic impurities in the water,
• Respiratory tract infections,
• Chemical irritation in the respiratory tract as a result of excessive chlorine inhalation,
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa causing swimmer's ear (an infection of the outer ear canal known as otitis externa) and a skin rash (dermatitis)
• Infections such as fungus in the genital area.
The condition of swimming pools is controlled by chemical and microbiological analyzes and above all; it can be perceived physically, visually and with our senses.
The most important factor in the pollution of pools is the pollution from the swimmers and their bodies. In order for the pools to be safer in terms of health, there are rules that those who enter the pool must follow.• Before entering the pool, you should definitely take a shower and pay attention to body cleaning.
• People who are sick, especially those with diarrhea or infections in the body, should be prevented from entering the pool.
• Pool water should not be swallowed.
• Eye contact with water should be avoided if possible (use of swimming goggles).
• Attention should be paid to the cleaning rules especially after the toilet, and hands should be washed very well.
• Do not enter the pool with food.
Stating that open wounds can be the entry point of pathogens, Dr. Turgut also emphasized that people with open wounds should avoid swimming until they heal. Failure to comply with the cleaning rules in pools can cause serious risks to people's health.
