Splash pads, popular water play areas in public parks, are being linked to thousands of cases of waterborne illnesses, including diarrhea, vomiting, and fever, according to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Between 1997 and 2022, over 10,000 children became ill after using splash pads, with most outbreaks caused by a parasite called cryptosporidium, or "crypto," which is known to spread through contaminated water.
CDC Warns Parents of Splash Pad Risks as Cryptosporidium Outbreaks Rise
While there have been no deaths reported, the CDC warns that parents should be more cautious about splash pad usage, especially when their children are sick.
The outbreak data highlights the growing popularity of splash pads but also brings attention to the risks they pose, particularly for young children, Washington Post said.
Cryptosporidium is a parasite that causes severe diarrhea, and it spreads when children or animals who are infected come into contact with water. Splash pads are particularly vulnerable because the nozzles spray water that can easily become contaminated with fecal matter.
Children sometimes sit or stand directly on top of the water jets, making it easier for contaminated water to be spread across the play area. This increases the risk of the water becoming tainted with the parasite.
The CDC explained that splash pads use a filtration system that recirculates water and adds chlorine to disinfect it. However, chlorine is not very effective against cryptosporidium, meaning larger amounts of chlorine would be needed to kill the parasite, which could be harmful if ingested.
This makes it even more difficult to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases at splash pads, where children frequently play in close proximity to one another.
Cryptosporidium Outbreaks at Splash Pads Affecting Thousands, CDC Warns Parents
The CDC's study, which was published on December 3, looked at 60 outbreaks of waterborne illnesses linked to splash pads across 23 states and Puerto Rico over the past 25 years.
The report found that 10,611 people, mostly children, became sick due to infections contracted at splash pads. Of those affected, 152 people were hospitalized, and 99 required emergency room visits, but there were no fatalities.
According to People, most of the illnesses were linked to cryptosporidiosis, a disease caused by cryptosporidium. It results in watery diarrhea that can last for up to three weeks.
Children aged 1 to 4, especially those who are not yet toilet trained, are at a higher risk, as they are more likely to play in splash pads and water parks. The CDC also noted that swim diapers do not effectively prevent the spread of fecal contamination in these public water areas.
Experts recommend that parents avoid bringing children to splash pads if they have diarrhea, and the CDC urges public health officials to follow guidelines that reduce the risk of outbreaks.
These guidelines include ensuring that proper splash pad usage is followed, such as keeping children out of the water if they have recently been ill with cryptosporidiosis. Additionally, parents are advised to be cautious and ensure their children maintain good hygiene to minimize the risk of exposure.
Though most children recover from these infections with proper hydration, severe cases may require extra medical care. Health experts suggest offering fluids to children showing symptoms, and in rare cases, medications may be needed for those with weakened immune systems.
By staying informed about these risks, parents can better protect their children from waterborne illnesses while still enjoying fun at the splash pad.
