The New Pool-Related Danger You Should Know About Before Diving In
Year-round sunshine is one of the many reasons both locals and visitors love the Sunshine State and most of us take full advantage of the weather by frequenting pools. While we are splashing around in the pool with our loved ones, the last thing on any of our minds is the thought of a tragic accident. Pools are so common in the Sunshine State that it is easy to forget the dangers that accompany them. But unfortunately, pools come with serious risks of injury, especially when someone else is negligent. And tragically, the source of danger may not even be something we can see.
What Recent Example of Pool-Related Injuries Was Recently in the News?
The South Florida Sun Sentinel recently reported that a parasite found in fecal matter and spread by swimming is causing an increasing number of illness outbreaks. The parasite Cryptosporidium, also known as Crypto, causes severe diarrhea that can last a few weeks. It has been reported in 40 states including Florida and sadly, the number of reported outbreaks has increased an average of almost 13 percent per year since 2009. This increase is largely attributed to people swallowing contaminated water in public pools, kiddie wading pools, or water playgrounds. The Florida Department of Health has asserted that Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties already have 15 confirmed cases of Crypto and 26 probable cases of the parasite-related illness.
In Florida, public swimming pools and bathing areas are required to test pH and disinfectant levels daily and the state health department is mandated to complete routine inspections twice a year. However, and sadly, these waterborne outbreaks are difficult to contain because it takes only a few germs to make someone sick and there can be millions of Crypto germs in one diarrhea bout.
What Should I Understand About Crypto?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued a report that over the past decade, there have been well over 400 reported outbreaks in the United State that have led to nearly 7,500 people becoming sick. More than 200 of those people were hospitalized and one person died as a result of the disease. The CDC has indicated that symptoms to watch out for include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Stomach pain
- Dehydration
- Weight loss
How Can the Spread of Crypto Be Reduced or Prevented?
- Keep anyone who has diarrhea away from the water
- Wash your hands with soap, not just hand sanitizers
- Remove your shoes before entering your home
Have You or a Loved One Been Injured at a Pool Because of Someone Else’s Negligence?
Pool owners are always responsible for ensuring that the premises is safe and that pools are properly maintained. In the event of an accident or injury in a private or public swimming pool, victims and their loved ones should consult with an experienced attorney who can investigate the case and pursue just compensation. The Fort Lauderdale premises liability attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm are the legal team that you need on your side. We are committed to representing victims in the event of an accident to maximize compensation for serious injury or wrongful death and we can begin helping you as soon as you reach out. Contact us for help today.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Jacksonville, Tampa, Bradenton, Miami, West Palm Beach, Fort Myers, Orlando and Daytona Beach areas.
Resource:
sun-sentinel.com/health/fl-ne-poop-illness-20190703-dzozydfzr5hgxg2ybxk6zc3huy-story.html
