CDC warns of parasite spread by poop in public pools

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention is warning the public about a deadly parasite spread by feces most commonly found in public pools.

The parasite is called cryptosporidium or “crypto” for short.

A report released by the CDC says they have seen a nearly 13 percent increase every year between 2009 and 2017.

Scientists say most people get crypto from the pool but you can also contract the disease from lakes and cattle.

Experts say it can cause profuse, watery diarrhea for as long as three weeks. Cryptosporidiosis is what the condition is called once you contract the parasite.

Here’s what public health officials recommend Shower before swimming to ensure urine, fecal matter, sweat, blood and dirt is kept out of the water. Have children take frequent bathroom breaks to prevent accidents in the pool. Do not swallow pool or splash pad water. Don’t swim in public or private pools if you have diarrhea. Stay out of the water after it’s cleared up for at least two weeks. Last summer, Arizona experienced the largest cryptosporidium outbreak in the state’s history, with 437 reported cases at 75 facilities in Maricopa County alone. In one instance, almost an entire Coconino County Little League team was infected with crypto after visiting a recreational water facility in the county in early August.

Officials estimate more people were likely infected than reported.