BOTHELL, Washington — Public Health — Seattle & King County has completed its investigation into a cryptosporidiosis outbreak linked to the McMenamins Anderson School pool in Bothell.
Fourteen people reported becoming ill after swimming at the pool on August 29 or 30, according to public health officials.
Their symptoms began between September 3 and 5 and included nausea, diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever, according to the report.
No hospitalizations or deaths have been reported, Public Health – Seattle & » said King County.
According to Public Health — Seattle, five people who became ill were tested and four were diagnosed with cryptosporidiosis, a disease caused by the parasite Cryptosporidium. & King County.
The parasite can cause watery diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
Health officials said they suspect a person infected with the parasite used the pool and spread germs to others.
The parasite is very resistant to chlorine and can survive for several days even in a well-maintained pool, officials said.
Public Health inspected the establishment on September 21 and found no violations.
Officials said the pool is well maintained and meets King County health and safety requirements.
Investigators also looked into fecal incidents at the facility because contaminated pool water can spread the parasite.
The pool operator did not report any fecal incidents on Aug. 29 or in the 10 days preceding that date, according to Public Health.
Officials interviewed six people who became ill and reviewed Cryptosporidium education and cleanup procedures with the facility operator.
They also reminded the operator that guests are not allowed to use the pool if they have had vomiting or diarrhea in the previous two weeks.
The epidemic appears to be over, Public Health said.
The “North Shore Lagoon Pool” is open to the public for one-hour sessions, according to the McMenamins Anderson School website.
An entry price to the swimming pool is indicated; Bothell residents are free with current proof of address, the website says.
Authorities recommend that people stay out of public pools for at least two weeks after diarrhea or vomiting has completely stopped, shower with soap before entering a pool, and avoid swallowing pool water.
Gn Health
