Beware of Contagious Infections Lurking in Public Spaces
The summer season brings two types of explosive diarrhea: Cryptosporidium, a parasite that can survive in chlorinated swimming pools, and Cyclospora, a different microscopic parasite that spreads through contaminated food or water. Cryptosporidium can survive in pools and is not easily killed by hand sanitizer, so it's important to avoid swimming if you have recently had diarrhea. Cyclospora takes a few weeks to mature before it becomes infectious, and past outbreaks have been linked to various foods. To prevent the spread of these diarrheal diseases, the CDC advises not to poop in pools, avoid swallowing pool water, check children's swim diapers regularly, wash produce, and refrigerate cut fruits and vegetables promptly.