Published: June 03, 2009 08:41 pm         

State health officials offer tips to prevent water illnesses

INDIANAPOLIS — Recreational water illnesses are spread by swallowing, breathing in vapors of, or having contact with contaminated water in swimming pools, water parks, spas, interactive fountains, lakes, rivers or oceans.

State health officials say the best way to prevent recreational water illnesses from pools is to keep germs out in the first place. James Howell, state epidemiologist at the Indiana State Department of Health, says everyone can help create healthy swimming experiences this summer by following these six healthy swimming steps:

• don’t swim when you have diarrhea.

• don’t swallow pool water.

• practice good hygiene. Shower with soap before swimming and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers.

• take your kids on bathroom breaks or check diapers often.

• change diapers in a bathroom or a diaper-changing area and not at poolside.

• wash your children thoroughly (especially the rear end) with soap and water before they go swimming.

The Indiana State Department of Health also cautions Hoosiers of the presence of blue-green algae, also known as Cyanobacteria, at many of Indiana’s reservoirs, lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams where the water is warm and enriched with nutrients like phosphorus or nitrogen.

“We recommend people use caution when swimming, skiing, or participating in other recreational water activities,” Howell said. “Avoid coming into direct contact with the algae and try to avoid swallowing water if at all possible.”

Howell says it is always a good idea to take a bath or shower with warm, soapy water after coming in contact with untreated water in ponds and lakes, especially before preparing or consuming food. He also recommends people never drink, cook or shower with untreated water from lakes, ponds or streams. Pets and livestock should also not be allowed to swim in or drink untreated water from these sources.

Anyone who may be experiencing symptoms related to exposure to blue-green algae, including stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, fever, muscle weakness or difficulty breathing, should contact their health care provider.

For more information on blue-green algae, visit Indiana’s Blue-Green Algae Web site at www.algae.IN.gov. The Web site is a collaborative effort of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, the Indiana State Department of Health, and the Indiana Board of Animal Health, in cooperation with the Center for Earth and Environmental Science at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.