The CDHB are raising awareness of enteric bug spread, particularly when associated with swimming pools. As part of this a graphic/poster and messaging have been developed which can be used for your school messaging, newsletters and swimming pool trips.

To reduce the chances of people becoming seriously ill due to a serious gastro bug such as Cryptosporidum (commonly known simply as Crypto), we are raising awareness of how these bugs are transmitted and appealing to people to help us limit their spread. Other possible water-borne infections includeNorovirus, Giardia and E.coli, all of which are also very unpleasant and potentially dangerous.

The main infection pathway is through contact with infected or polluted water, which may occur when someone shares a swimming pool or spa with a person who has had a recent infection and isn’t completely better. People wrongly assume chlorine will kill everything, but Crypto in particular is resistant to the standard chlorine dosages you find in most pools.

Most people who contract Crypto and other gastro infections experience symptoms such as watery diarrhoea, stomach cramps and nausea, vomiting and fever. Others, who have weakened immune systems, can develop serious, chronic, and sometimes fatal illness.

These symptoms can occur on and off for weeks – which is why we are asking people to respect a stand-down period of two weeks during which they should avoid swimming or sharing a spa.
This is to ensure they are fully recovered and no longer infectious.

The key things to remember are:

• If you’ve had a serious gastro bug, stay away from pools and spas for at least two weeks after you feel better.

• Even if you haven’t been ill, always shower before entering the water.

• Report any ‘code browns’ immediately – staff can clean as needed and apply a stronger dose of chlorine to the area to make it safe.

If you wish to request a physical copy for your school please order this through the Community and Public Health website- here

https://www.cph.co.nz/resources/some-things-arent-welcome-in-this-pool/