Splash Pad At A Kansas Wildlife Park Caused Two Outbreaks of Gastrointestinal Illness Among Adolescents
Last week, the CDC reported two outbreaks of acute gastrointestinal illness that originated at a splash pad in a Kansas wildlife park.
One of the outbreaks resulted in twenty-one cases of shigellosis due to a bacteria known as shigella.
According to the Mayo Clinic, shigellosis occurs after coming into contact with and swallowing human stool.
The infection is highly contagious and mainly results in bloody diarrhea, as well as fever, nausea, and stomach cramps.
The second outbreak was caused by norovirus and led to six cases of illness. Norovirus most commonly spreads in crowded environments through exposure to food, water, or surfaces that are contaminated.
Much like shigellosis, norovirus also results in diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms typically last for one to three days.
However, the CDC has since reported that both outbreaks stemmed from patrons getting contaminated splash park water in their mouths while visiting the wildlife park.
Contributing factors were also cited as inadequate splash pad disinfection, training, and equipment.
Now, officials have urged all parks containing splash pads and similar water environments, as well as caregivers of children, to be diligent with outbreak prevention efforts.
anoushkatoronto – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purpose only, not the actual person
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First, splash pad providers should enforce strict water disinfection practices and employ environmental health experts when needed.
Second, caregivers need to be aware of how outbreaks originate and travel throughout adolescent groups.
“Young children are more likely to experience acute gastrointestinal illness including shigellosis and norovirus infection and, because of inadequate toileting and hygiene skills, are more likely to contaminate the water,” the CDC reported.
Moreover, caregivers should first be cautious about using swim diapers since they do not prevent contamination.
Second, they should advise children to refrain from drinking or placing their open mouths on splash pad water or equipment.
To review the CDC’s entire report detailing the two outbreaks and subsequent prevention efforts, you can visit the link here.
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