A new study published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report has found that splash pads are a significant source of waterborne disease outbreaks in the US, with Cryptosporidium being the most common cause. The study analyzed 60 waterborne disease outbreaks associated with splash pads from 1997 to 2022 and found that 10,611 cases, 152 hospitalizations, and 99 emergency department visits were linked to these outbreaks.
Cryptosporidium was responsible for 90% of the cases, with three large outbreaks all caused by the parasite. Norovirus was the most common cause of emergency visits, accounting for 72 incidents. Shigella, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and other pathogens also contributed to the outbreaks.
The study found that chlorine treatment is not effective against Cryptosporidium, which can survive longer than a week in chlorinated water. To combat these outbreaks, the authors recommend targeted interventions at splash pads, including monitoring children’s hygiene habits and behavior.
Caregivers of young children are particularly important targets for these efforts, with recommended user behaviors including not getting in the water if ill, swallowing the water, taking regular bathroom breaks, and changing diapers away from the water. By implementing these measures, parents can reduce their children’s risk of contracting waterborne diseases at splash pads.
Source: https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cryptosporidium/report-highlights-danger-splash-pads-waterborne-diseases