Don’t swallow pool water

Outbreaks of a yucky pool parasite have risen two-fold in the last two years, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

The parasite goes by the nickname of crypto (for cryptosporidium) and is spread through human feces. It causes three weeks of diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting.
The parasite gets into the water at parks and pools primarily through kids under the age of 5 who poop in the pool even in small amounts.

Once in the water, ordinary chlorine levels that are safe for swimming don’t affect the nasty bug. It can survive for up to 10 days at swim-safe chlorine levels. When detected, pool owners must keep people out of the water and add high levels of chlorine.

It’s best to caution kids and adults never to swallow water from a swimming pool.