logo
    • News
    • Classifieds
    • Free Subscription
    • Book Store
    • Submit
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Submit an Educational Announcement
      • Submit a letter to The Editor
    • Past Issues
    • Regional Trade Shows
    • Contact
    • News
    • Classifieds
    • Free Subscription
    • Book Store
    • Submit
      • Submit a Classified Ad
      • Submit an Educational Announcement
      • Submit a letter to The Editor
    • Past Issues
    • Regional Trade Shows
    • Contact
E.coli found in Penn. community pool
News
June 14, 2022
E.coli found in Penn. community pool

As the swim season takes off in earnest, it remains crucial to ensure that commercial pools are properly maintained, equipment in tip-top shape, and sanitizer levels at recreational facilities tested and results recorded frequently.

The people who maintained a Pennsylvania community pool learned this the hard way when more than a dozen children were sickened and required medical care after becoming infected by both E. coli and C. difficile last summer.

According to a May, 2022, field report from the Centers for Disease Control, on June 7, 2021, the Pennsylvania Department of Health received numerous complaints of gastrointestinal illness from patrons who had visited a community swimming pool. Two patrons reported positive Shiga toxinproducing Escherichia coli (STEC) and Clostridioides difficile from stool specimens. The department ordered the pool closed and initiated an outbreak response to identify the source and prevent additional illnesses.

Fifteen cases were identified in children ages 4-14 who had visited the pool on its opening date, May 31. Nine cases were confirmed, and six were probable.

Probable cases were defined as three or more loose stools in 24 hours with nausea, vomiting, fever, or cramps. Thirteen patients sought medical evaluation, and six were hospitalized. Four received antibiotics for C. difficile. None developed severe complications which can cause kidney failure.

The source of the outbreak was initially mysterious because both of the bacteria responsible for causing the illnesses are readily killed by chlorine. However, inspection of the equipment at the pool revealed an automatic chlorinator malfunction. Furthermore, record-keeping was inconsistent with local requirements, and the few available records demonstrated at least one instance of no detectable chlorine.

Following chlorinator repair, the pool was reopened, after which no additional cases were identified.

According to Dr. Marc Siegel, a clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City, the outbreak could have been prevented if the pool’s chlorine had been maintained at recommended levels and the pool had adequate filtration.

“Also, people entering pools should shower first, which almost nobody does,' Siegal said.

LATEST NEWS
3 insurance carriers limit new policies
News
3 insurance carriers limit new policies
California’s home insurance policies are on the chopping block, citing increased risk and cost
September 14, 2023
California’s home insurance policies are on the chopping block, citing increased risk and cost
this is a test
News
Winterizing pools proves lucrative
September 14, 2023
Seasonal jobs, which vary across different regions, often contribute significantly to a service firm’s profit margin, especially considering that many...
this is a test
Brain eating amoeba scare in Arlington, TX
News
Brain eating amoeba scare in Arlington, TX
September 14, 2023
Out of an abundance of caution, the city of Arlington, Texas, briefly closed all of its swimming pools and splash pads as they awaited test results fo...
this is a test
New KY lifeguard law sinks swimming pools
News
New KY lifeguard law sinks swimming pools
September 14, 2023
The fate of at least five large swimming pools in Kentucky is uncertain because of new state regulations about the number of lifeguards required at sw...
this is a test
Legionnaires’ disease kills 2 at Calif. spa
News
Legionnaires’ disease kills 2 at Calif. spa
September 14, 2023
A Richmond, California, day spa is permanently closed after two people died of Legionnaires’ Disease, contracted in its hot tub. Zen Day Spa, located ...
this is a test
Blowing water out of pool plumbing
News
Blowing water out of pool plumbing
September 14, 2023
When winterizing swimming pools in areas that experience deep freezes, it is common practice to use air to blow out the water lines so that the water ...
this is a test
Read Our Newsletter
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Free Subscription
View Current Print Ads
Educational Announcements
Aquatic Training Institute

Educational Leverage

Foundation For Pool Industry Education

Locey Pool

Pool Chemistry Training Institute

Pool & Hot Tub Alliance

Portofino University

Underwater Pool Masters
Trade Show Dates
  • The International Pool Spa Patio Expo
    Nov. 15-17, Las Vegas, Nevada
  • The Pool and Spa Show
    Jan. 24-26, Atlantic City, New Jersey
  • 34th Annual National Plasterers Conference
    Feb. 8-10, Coronado, California
  • The Southwest Pool and Spa Show
    Feb. 9-11, Houston, Texas
  • The Western Pool and Spa Show
    Mar. 23-25, Long Beach, California
Books to Order
About Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy
We use cookies to ensure that our website gives you the best experience possible. By continuing to use this website, you agree to this use of cookies.OK