Swimmers in South Australia and Victoria warned over potentially chlorine-resistant parasite in public pools

March 22, 2024

Users of public pools and aquatic play areas across South Australia and Victoria are being warned about a surge in gastroenteritis cases, potentially caused by a chlorine-resistant parasite.

Health authorities in both states are monitoring aquatic facilities following a spike in infections understood to be related to the parasite.

In South Australia there have been 164 reported infections, compared to 33 at the same time last year, while in Victoria there have been 607 cases, compared to 33 at the same time last year - an increase of more than 600% compared to this time last year, when just 84 cases were recorded.

Victorian authorities have urged people to stop swimming in public pools if they have cryptosporidiosis, a type of gastroenteritis, with, as reported by News Ltd, Victorian Chief Health Officer Dr Clare Looker warning on Wednesday “many cases have become infected after using public swimming pools, and public health investigations have found people are attending pools while they are .

“People with known cryptosporidiosis or an unknown cause of diarrhoea should not swim while they have diarrhoea and for a full two weeks after their diarrhoea stops.

“Swimmers can become infected when they accidentally swallow pool water contaminated with the parasite.”

AMA South Australia President, Dr John Williams said young children are most prone to catching the infection, noting “the people most at risk of severe affects are children, especially young children under the age of one and people with immune suppression.”

In Victoria the alert said young children - more likely to swallow pool water - who attend swimming lessons with other kids and household contacts of cases were at the greatest risk while in South Australia, Dr Williams’ advise is that anyone who has caught the infection should avoid public pools for at least two weeks.

The illness can cause watery diarrhoea and stomach cramps for several weeks.

Melbourne’s Brunswick Baths and Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre have recently temporarily closed their pools for hypochlorination after they were linked to an outbreak.

City of Burnside response
Following media reports on the gastroenteritis cases, South Australia’s City of Burnside issued a statement advising “we would like to reassure the community that no gastro cases have been reported at any of our pool facilities including the Tusmore Wading Pool and the George Bolton Swimming Centre.

“Our staff work diligently to ensure our pools remain clean and safe for use by the community, and we remind all visitors to maintain good hygiene practices when using these facilities.”

Images: Health authorities in South Australia and Victoria have warned people not to use public pools until 14 days after gastroenteritis symptoms clear up (top) and testing for cryptosporidiosis (below).

14th February 2024 - NSW and Queensland health authorities warn swimmers of cryptosporidium parasite risks

13th November 2023 - Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre officially opens

6th October 2022 - Wavegarden presents first bespoke water treatment system for artificial surfing lagoons

12th June 2020 - New BioGuard pool water treatment system reduces costs and improves the swimming experience

3rd December 2019 - Burnside Council flags permits and fees for park use

5th November 2019 - Guests at Moreton Island resort hit with gastro bugs after E. coli found in water supply

1st July 2019 - US Centers for Disease Control issues warning over cryptosporidium in public pools

12th March 2018 - Wellington region warning over cryptosporidiosis and swimming facilities

23rd June 2017 - Cryptosporidium cases lead to closure of Marlborough Lines Stadium 2000 Aquatic Centre

19th January 2016 - Recreation SA urges swimmers to practice good personal hygiene amid record Cryptosporidium levels

28th November 2014 - Western Australian sea lions infected with high rate of Giardia

8th November 2013 - Outdoor pool reopens at Brunswick Baths

15th April 2013 - ARV to stage Cryptosporidium industry information session

26th March 2013 - Victoria records four-fold increase in Cryptosporidium in public pools

8th May 2012 - Faecal contamination in swimming pools linked to rise in gastro bugs

27th February 2009 - Cryptosporidium Infection hits 200 in Sydney

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