With the warm weather here and summer around the corner, pools across backyards, aquatic centres and beaches are going to get a lot busier. But before you dive in, here’s something important to keep in mind: a tiny parasite called cryptosporidium could be lurking in the water, and it’s not something you want to mess with.

Cryptosporidium is a parasite that enters pools and spas from accidents involving poo or vomiting or unknowingly by someone recovering from diarrhoea. 

Despite it being a tiny, microscopic parasite, it can survive undetected in even the most chlorinated and treated pools for days. It can also live in food, soil or on surfaces that have been contaminated. 

Swimming in or swallowing water contaminated with cryptosporidium can cause very serious illness with severe symptoms such as watery diarrhoea, stomach cramping, nausea and vomiting. Young children are especially vulnerable, often experiencing the most acute effects.

Tips to help you and the family stay safe this summer season

• Shower before and after you enter a pool.
• If diarrhoea presents, stay out of the pool for 2 weeks after symptoms stop, and avoid handling food for 48 hours.
• Avoid swimming after heavy rain, don’t swallow pool water, and always wash your hands thoroughly after toileting, animal contact or before preparing food.
• Ensure children with diarrhoea stay home for 24 hours after their symptoms end.
• Before swimming, children should wash their hands with soap, take regular toilet breaks and wear tight waterproof pants if they’re not toilet trained.

For more information on avoiding or preventing an outbreak of cryptosporidium, visit NSW Health.