ML18019A901
| ML18019A901 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Clinch River |
| Issue date: | 01/19/2018 |
| From: | US Dept of Health & Human Services, Centers for Disease Control |
| To: | |
| Fetter A | |
| References | |
| TN5146 | |
| Download: ML18019A901 (3) | |
Text
Recreational Water Illnesses l Healthy Swimming l Healthy Water l CDC MENU CDC A-Z SEARCH Healthy Swimming CDC > Healthy Water Home > Healthy Swimming > Swimmers Recreational Water Illnesses Language: English (US)
Recreational Water Illness (noun): On This Page Illness caused by germs and chemicals Facts About RWIs found in the water we swim in. Specific RWI Infections Recreational water illnesses (RWIs) are caused by germs and chemicals found in the water we swim in. They are spread by swallowing, breathing in mists or aerosols of, or having contact with contaminated water in swimming pools, hot tubs, water parks, water play areas, interactive fountains, lakes, rivers, or oceans. RWIs can also be caused by chemicals in the water or chemicals that turn into gas in the air and cause air quality problems at indoor aquatic facilities.
Knowing the basic facts about RWIs can make the difference between an enjoyable time at the pool, beach, or waterpark, and getting a rash, having diarrhea, or developing other, potentially serious illnesses.
Facts About Recreational Water Illnesses (RWIs)
What are RWIs?
Recreational water illnesses (RWIs) are caused by germs spread by swallowing, breathing in mists or aerosols of, or having contact with contaminated water in swimming pools, hot tubs, water parks, water play areas, interactive fountains, lakes, rivers, or oceans. RWIs can also be caused by chemicals in the water or chemicals that evaporate from the water and cause indoor air quality problems.
https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/swimmers/rwi.html[10/20/2017 3:14:25 PM]
Recreational Water Illnesses l Healthy Swimming l Healthy Water l CDC RWIs can be a wide variety of infections, including gastrointestinal, skin, ear, respiratory, eye, neurologic and wound infections. The most commonly reported RWI is diarrhea. Diarrheal illnesses can be caused by germs such as Crypto (short for Cryptosporidium ), Giardia , Shigella , norovirus, and E. coli O157:H7.
For promotional materials on recreational water illnesses, including brochures, posters, and educational materials, visit the Health Promotion Materials page.
Why should we be interested in RWIs?
Where are RWIs found?
How are RWIs spread?
Why doesn't chlorine kill RWI germs?
Who is most likely to get ill from an RWI?
How can we prevent RWIs?
What are the top causes of all RWI outbreaks?
Specifc RWI Infections RWIs include a wide variety of infections. Learn in more detail about these infections on the following pages.
Diarrheal Illness Healthy Water Sites Rashes Ear Infections Healthy Water Respiratory Infections Drinking Water Chemical Irritation of the Eyes and Healthy Swimming Lungs Global WASH Infections Unlikely to be Spread Through Other Uses of Water Swimming Pools WASH-related Emergencies &
Outbreaks Water, Sanitation, &
Environmentally-related Hygiene https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/swimmers/rwi.html[10/20/2017 3:14:25 PM]
Recreational Water Illnesses l Healthy Swimming l Healthy Water l CDC Get Email Updates To receive email updates about this page, enter your email address:
Whats this?
Submit Page last reviewed: January 25, 2017 Page last updated: January 25, 2017 Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ABOUT About CDC Jobs Funding LEGAL Policies Privacy FOIA No Fear Act OIG 1600 Clifton Road Atlanta, GA 30329-4027 USA U.S. Department of Health & Human Services 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636), TTY: 888-232-6348 HHS/Open Email CDC-INFO USA.gov https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/swimmers/rwi.html[10/20/2017 3:14:25 PM]