Swimmers in South Australia and Victoria warned over potentially chlorine-resistant parasite in public pools

Users of public pools and aquatic play areas across South Australia and Victoria are being warned about a surge in gastroenteritis cases, potentially caused by a chlorine-resistant parasite.

Health authorities in both states are monitoring aquatic facilities following a spike in infections understood to be related to the parasite.

In South Australia there have been 164 reported infections, compared to 33 at the same time last year, while in Victoria there have been 607 cases, compared to 33 at the same time last year - an increase of more than 600% compared to this time last year, when just 84 cases were recorded.

Victorian authorities have urged people to stop swimming in public pools if they have cryptosporidiosis, a type of gastroenteritis, with, as reported by News Ltd, Victorian Chief Health Officer Dr Clare Looker warning on Wednesday “many cases have become infected after using public swimming pools, and public health investigations have found people are attending pools while they are .

“People with known cryptosporidiosis or an unknown cause of diarrhoea should not swim while they have diarrhoea and for a full two weeks after their diarrhoea stops.

“Swimmers can become infected when they accidentally swallow pool water contaminated with the parasite.”

AMA South Australia President, Dr John Williams said young children are most prone to catching the infection, noting “the people most at risk of severe affects are children, especially young children under the age of one and people with immune suppression.”

In Victoria the alert said young children - more likely to swallow pool water - who attend swimming lessons with other kids and household contacts of cases were at the greatest risk while in South Australia, Dr Williams’ advise is that anyone who has caught the infection should avoid public pools for at least two weeks.

The illness can cause watery diarrhoea and stomach cramps for several weeks.

Melbourne’s Brunswick Baths and Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre have recently temporarily closed their pools for hypochlorination after they were linked to an outbreak.

City of Burnside response
Following media reports on the gastroenteritis cases, South Australia’s City of Burnside issued a statement advising “we would like to reassure the community that no gastro cases have been reported at any of our pool facilities including the Tusmore Wading Pool and the George Bolton Swimming Centre.

“Our staff work diligently to ensure our pools remain clean and safe for use by the community, and we remind all visitors to maintain good hygiene practices when using these facilities.”

Images: Health authorities in South Australia and Victoria have warned people not to use public pools until 14 days after gastroenteritis symptoms clear up (top) and testing for cryptosporidiosis (below).