Parasitic Outbreak in Kentucky Leads to Lesson in Pool Safety

The Hopkins County Health Department announced this week that they have been dealing with an outbreak of a common parasite called Giardia. Twenty-three cases have been reported so far in the past month.

What is Giardia?

Giardia can enter the body through food, from person to person, or through ingesting contaminated water. With it being summertime, infections tend to rise because folks are out swimming in pools, lakes, and streams.

Source of Kentucky Giardia Outbreak Unknown

While state epidemiologists don't know the cause of this particular Giardia outbreak in Hopkins County, they are following leads to figure out the source. It could be from unwashed fruits or vegetables or coming in contact with animal feces, but I would bet money, all roads lead to a swimming hole.

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What are the Symptoms of Giardia Infection?

The main symptom of this plague is horrible diarrhea (Google literally described it as "watery and foul-smelling"). The kind with severe nausea, cramps, bloating, and wishing you were dead. It can last for a few weeks and can usually be left to run its course while you contemplate your life choices.  Other times, antibiotics are required.

So THAT's Why The Sign By The Pool Mentions Diarrhea

Having the sense of humor of a pre-teen boy, I've always giggled about the mention of diarrhea on the standard pool warning signs. A few years ago, though, I was NOT laughing. I was having a total crash-out because the pool my family and I were swimming in had to be evacuated.

Traumatized By Pool Evacuation

The workers were scheduled to test the chemicals in the water throughout the day, and when they did, they found that the level of fecal matter was dangerously high. The number of bodies splashing around, mixed with the incredibly hot day, made for a perfect storm. I ended up crying in the shower, scrubbing my whole body and wishing I could just trade the whole thing in for a new one.

Anyway! Moral of the story, kids? Don't drink the pool water! AND obey the pool safety sign for the love of all that is holy.