Bug warning to swimmers

WARNING posters are being put up at swimming pools in Oldham in an attempt to stop an overseas stomach bug spreading in the UK.

The notices urge locals who have suffered an upset stomach not to enter the water until they have fully recovered or been free from the symptoms for 48 hours.

The initiative is created by the Health Protection Agency and Environmental Health Officers and is aimed at stunting the spread of an infection called cryptosporidiosis across Greater Manchester.

The infection is caused by a tiny parasite commonly found in lakes, streams, rivers and untreated drinking water.

It’s usually picked up by people who have been swimming on holiday, or have been in contact with animals either in the UK or abroad.

It can be a particular problem if introduced to swimming pools as the organisms are resistant to chlorine-based disinfectants.

Dr Rosemary McCann, a consultant with the HPA’s Greater Manchester Health Protection Unit, said: “Swimming is a very enjoyable activity and a great way to keep fit.

“People tend to pick up the infection when they are swimming abroad and it is all too easy to introduce it to swimming pools in this country if people swim before they are fully clear of infection.”

There is no specific treatment for the infection, with symptoms including diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pains and fever.

The public is advised:

::Never swim while you have diarrhoea — chlorine doesn’t kill all germs instantly.

::If you have had vomiting or diarrhoea in the past few days, don’t swim until you have been symptom-free for 48 hours.

::If your doctor says your stomach upset was caused by cryptosporidiosis, don’t swim until you have been free of all symptoms for 14 days.

::Shower before swimming.

::Wearing swimming caps and removing make-up will help the swimming pool chemicals to work better.

::If you become unwell during a visit to the pool, please report this to a member of staff.