Cryptosporidiosis crops up in some Johnson County swimming pools

The Johnson County Health Department said Thursday that it has traced three confirmed cases of cryptosporidiosis to swimming pools in Overland Park and Shawnee and is tracking several more suspected cases in the community.

The affected pool in Overland Park is privately owned and managed by a homes association, the health department said. Overland Park has posted notice that the pool is closed. The health department is working with the pool operator on treatment of the pool.

The health department said Shawnee has taken steps, including shock treatment to water, to protect swimmers at its municipal pools. The pools are safe to swim in, the health department determined.

Cryptosporidiosis (crypto) is a disease caused by the chlorine-resistant protozoan Cryptosporidium parvum. It is spread by contact with the stool of infected people or animals, by consumption of contaminated food or water and by person-to-person or animal-to-animal contact. Symptoms of the infection include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, nausea and vomiting.

“We encourage everyone (using swimming pools) to wash their hands frequently and ensure their children take frequent breaks from the pool to prevent accidents,” said health department director Lougene Marsh.

This story was originally published August 20, 2015 at 3:57 PM with the headline "Cryptosporidiosis crops up in some Johnson County swimming pools."