The Northern Kentucky Health Department has issued a public health advisory after detecting an outbreak of Cryptosporidium, often shortened to Crypto, a fecal-borne intestinal parasite.
The advisory states that at least some of the cases were detected in connection with a local public pool. A representative from the Health Department confirmed that the pool in question was the Silverlake water park in Erlanger. About dozen cases have been confirmed and numerous probable cases have been identified. At least one other pool in the region, the Bluegrass Swim Club in Fort Wright, has confirmed that one of their patrons displayed symptoms.
“Crypto is a gastrointestinal illness caused by the Cryptosporidium parasite and causing symptoms such as watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, low-grade fever, vomiting and nausea,” the advisory reads. “These conditions can lead to dehydration and similar concerns. However, an individual’s symptoms can vary and some may not show any symptoms. Young children and people immunologically suppressed are at increased risk for more severe illness. The incubation period for Crypto is from 2 to 10 days, with most developing symptoms in 7 days from time of exposure. In otherwise healthy individuals, symptoms usually subside within a couple of weeks with supportive care to treat the symptoms and avoid dehydration. Crypto can be shed (transmitted) for two weeks or more after symptoms subside.”
Infected animals and human carriers shed the parasite through their feces. Exposure to contaminated water, soil or food can lead to infection. The parasite is resistant to the chlorine treatments commonly used in public pools as well hand sanitizer and rubbing alcohol.
People with confirmed infections should avoid using public pools and similar facilities for two weeks after their symptoms subside as they can still transmit the parasite during that time. Babies who have not been potty trained should also refrain from swimming in public pools.
The health department stated that the outbreak could have started as far back as June. The number of detected cases is expected to grow.
Anyone with symptoms should contact their doctor immediately.
In a statement released Monday, Silverlake said they are aware of the outbreak: “Health and safety is our top priority at Silverlake, and we are taking all the possible steps to ensure the pool is safe for our members, staff and guests.”
Following the notification of the outbreak from the health department, Silverlake said they “immediately took action to close and clean our pool. Members were notified via social media that the pool would be closing for sanitation.”
Silverlake said the pool was closed at 5 p.m. on Aug. 9, and they followed protocols from the health department, which included a process called “super chlorination” to kill the Crypto.
After the chlorine levels were safe and the health department cleared Silverlake, they reopened the pool. “This process took over 42 hours to complete. The outdoor pool was closed from 5 p.m. on Aug. 9 and reopened at 11 a.m. on Aug. 11,” read the statement.
Silverlake said they are “working closely with the Northern Kentucky Health Department to monitor the situation and will provide any additional updates as necessary.”
Read the full advisory from the NKY Health Department below.