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An outbreak of Cryptosporidiosis, commonly referred to as "Crypto," is occurring in our community. Several cases have been confirmed by the Ohio Department of Health laboratory, and upon investigation we have traced the outbreak to pools in our community. This is a serious occurrence and we will need your full cooperation to stop the spread of Crypto to through swimming pools to the community.

Cryptosporidiosis is a diarrheal disease caused by microscopic parasites of the genus Cryptosporidium. Infected individuals develop loose, watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and a slight fever. It can be spread by swallowing water (either from swimming or drinking) or food contaminated with the organism. It can also be spread from person to person, especially in settings such as homes and daycare centers where diapers are changed regularly.

Children and pregnant women should take special care to avoid dehydration from diarrhea caused by Crypto. They should consult a health care provider for information on preventing dehydration. If you or your child are ill with Crypto, avoid close contact with persons with weakened immune systems (i.e., those undergoing cancer treatment or persons with HIV/AIDS) because if they become infected, Crypto can become a life-threatening disease.

Because Crypto can be spread so easily through water, anyone who is infected should not swim in any pool while having diarrhea, and for an additional two weeks after the diarrhea stops. Ignoring this recommendation could cause the pool(s) to become infected.

Because the Crypto parasite cannot be killed through regular chlorination processes, we are recommending that pool operators take the following steps to help prevent the spread of this disease through our community:

IF STAFF ARE AVAILABLE at your location to monitor chlorine levels and to close the pool, increase pool chlorination level (super-chlorinate) to 20 ppm. This action is recommended for all pools, spas, and special use pools located at your facility. Please note that the pool(s) will be unsafe for swimming until you verify that correct chlorine levels return following super-chlorination.

Close pool for 8 hours and maintain this level of chlorination Put up signs in public areas warning patrons against swimming if they have had diarrhea within the past two weeks.

Post the Six "P-L-E-As" for Healthy Swimming and distribute the Recreational Water Illnesses Brochure available at http://www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming.htm .Provide this information to any swim teams and coaches that use your pool regularly to remind them about healthy swim practices.

Please contact us at (513) 946-7832 to let us know when you have completed super chlorination of your pool, or if you have any questions. Thank you for your cooperation.