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There's nothing like a heat wave to compel human beings to plunge into a body of water. But doing so -- while refreshing and relaxing could be hazardous to your health.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, oceans, bays, rivers, lakes and pools can cause "recreational water illnesses," infections or irritations caused by germs or chemicals that contaminate the water. While some of these illnesses are minor rashes or itches others can be serious.
Dr. Jeffrey Lederman, an infectious diseases and travel medicine specialist at Sound Shore Medical Center in New Rochelle, reels off some of the more common afflictions swimmers might encounter: "Gastroenteritis, fevers, respiratory and ear infections, as well as ear and urinary tract infections are all possibilities."
The CDC states that if even one swimmer has diarrhea, the germs millions of them from that person's stool can "contaminate the water in a large pool or water park."
Dr. Lederman underscores this assertion. "The amount of recreational water illness that might occur is most often related to how much pollution is getting into the water. Pollution can come from untreated human waste, as was the case recently when there was a fire at a sewerage treatment plant." But water pollution, says Dr. Lederman, can also happen when runoff from farms, lawns, or streets gets into the water. This runoff can contain animal waste as well as chemicals. If a swimmer swallows contaminated water, gastroenteritis can result, says Dr. Lederman.
Infections can take different forms in natural bodies of water. The rash commonly known as swimmer's itch (cercarial dermatitis) is an allergic reaction to certain microscopic parasites in both birds and mammals that are released into fresh and saltwater by snails, the parasites' hosts.
But swimmer's ear is another common problem in both natural and man-made bodies of water. Dr. Lederman suggests swimmers keep ears as dry as possible with a cap or earplugs, as well as using a towel and "tilting your head while tugging on the ear to get the water out," he says. If water is still stuck in the ear, use a hair dryer on the lowest heat and speed, holding it several inches from the ear. According to Dr. Lederman, those with skin conditions such as eczema might be more likely to contract swimmer's ear, and people with diabetes or immune system problems could be vulnerable to severe forms of the illness.
You can protect yourself from waterborne infection by taking commonsense precautions both before entering and after leaving any body of water. "Prevention is key," says Dr. Lederman.
He adds: "Be careful about swimming after heavy rain, or if there is a lot of debris in the water. In these circumstances, there might be higher levels of pollutants and microorganisms in the water. And don't swim near drainage pipes on the beach."
"Hopefully," says Dr. Lederman, "With proper sanitary practices, we can all enjoy the water this summer."
How clean is your body of water? Do you know? Email me, at jcurtis@mainstreetconnect.us.
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