Fan of splash pads? Fecal matter from diapers linked to illnesses: CDC

While the holiday season may bring thoughts of snow, U.S. health authorities have a stark reminder for the warmer months: summer splash pads can harbour serious health risks.

While the holiday season may bring thoughts of snow and cheer, United States health authorities have a stark reminder for the warmer months: summer splash pads can harbour serious health risks, with illnesses spread by fecal contamination from children’s diapers in the water.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report Tuesday on waterborne disease outbreaks linked with splash pads in the U.S. from 1997 to 2022.

During this period, more than 10,000 children and adults fell ill after visiting these recreational play areas. Among them, 152 required hospitalization and 99 sought treatment in emergency rooms. No fatalities were reported in connection with the outbreaks.

“Waterborne pathogens that cause acute gastrointestinal illness can be transmitted by ingesting water contaminated with feces from infected persons,” the CDC report said.

The main culprit behind these outbreaks was Cryptosporidium, a parasite resistant to chlorine, the primary disinfectant used in treated recreational water. The parasite can survive in chlorinated water for extended periods, making it difficult to eliminate. If ingested, it can cause acute gastrointestinal illness.

The report said Cryptosporidium caused 67 per cent of the outbreaks and resulted in 91 per cent of reported cases, 81 per cent of hospitalizations, and 21 per cent of emergency department visits.

Of the 60 splash pad-associated outbreaks, 95 per cent were reported from May to August.

The CDC said the outbreaks were often caused by feces being released from children’s diapers and contaminating the water.