Water-borne infections can lurk in hot tubs, public pools, lakes and oceans this summer: Here's what to know
Fox News
As many head to recreational water parks and public pools this summer, take proper precautions against water-borne bacteria which may cause severe illness
"Among the 155 (75%) outbreaks with a confirmed infectious etiology, 76 (49%) were caused by Cryptosporidium (which causes cryptosporidiosis, a gastrointestinal illness) and 65 (42%) by Legionella (which causes Legionnaires’ disease, a severe pneumonia, and Pontiac fever, a milder illness with flu-like symptoms)," the CDC said.
Thirty-six states and the District of Columbia voluntarily reported 208 outbreaks associated with treated recreational water through the National Outbreak Reporting System. Public pools, hot tubs or water playgrounds accounted for almost all of the outbreaks, resulting in at least 3,646 cases of illness, 286 hospitalizations and 13 deaths.