Recreational fun leading to the runs or an untimely death?

by Chante Sanders

At the dawn of spring waterparks, pools, and amusement parks reopen leaving the lingering shadows of winter’s bareness behind. Some individuals are ecstatic about the warm weather and all of the many wonders that the great outdoors has to offer. As temperatures outside steadily rise, so does the number of individuals visiting local bodies of water. Hikers and swimmers alike are becoming more susceptible to the parasites that are in the environment.

The misconception that parasites only affect individuals in third world or developing countries can be the very reason that many people let their guards down allowing them to become a residence for parasitic protozoans, worms, and more.

 

When taking a swim in rivers, lakes and pools most don’t think of the possible infections that may await them. Although some situations are inevitable, sometimes taking simple precautions can change the likelihood of certain events occurring.

The parasite Giardia lamblia is a common cause of intestinal parasitic disease in the United States. Cases of Giardiasis between June and October doubled from 2006-2008. 

Symptoms of this parasite include:

• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Greasy stools 
•  Abdominal/ stomach cramps
• Dehydration (resulting from diarrhea)
• Nausea
• Vomiting. 

Taking a simple swim or inhaling water into the nose from contaminated rivers or lakes can lead to giardiasis.  Giardiasis can spread a number of ways but for the sake of the topic the focus will be on fresh water sources and recreational waters. This diarrheal disease is initiated by ingestion of contaminated water with the infective form of the parasite. The parasite then locates itself in the small intestine interfering with functions of the organ (absorption of nutrients, etc.).

 

Lets say that while on a hiking trip an individual decides to take a drink from the fresh water lake or river that is on the trail. If the water source is contaminated with the infective form of the parasite (called a cyst, more than ten of these would need to be ingested) the pathway for giardiasis infection has been initiated. When the parasite arrives at the small intestine of the individual the infective form starts to divide into another form of the parasite (called a trophozoite, one cyst makes two of this form of the parasite). This second form of the parasite inhibits the functional portions of the intestine responsible for fat and nutrient absorption by flattening. As the parasite moves further down the digestive tract the parasite returns to its infective state, the cyst. These cysts are then shed into the stool of the infected person. If the infected stool comes in contact with fresh water sources, food, and hands this increases the chances of the parasite infecting another individual or even our pets.

There are several ways to avoid this parasite including:

• Thoroughly washing hands after coming into contact with fecal matter that contains or suspected to contain the parasite. 
• If you are planning to hike or camp in an area where the fresh water source will be used for drinking water use a size appropriate filter (Giardia lamblia generally range in size from 1-10 microns) or avoid drinking the water.
• If you have small children that are infected with giardiasis NEVER take them to public water sources or allow them to use restrooms for public use.
• Avoid ingesting or inhaling water at public water sources

Another parasite, that is a much more scary problem in recreational freshwater or poorly maintained pools but not as prevalent in the United States (only 32 recorded cases between 2001-2010), Naegleria fowleri. Individuals infected with this parasite are not as lucky as those infected with Giradia lamblia, with out a timely diagnosis the parasite can render fatal results.

 

This parasite unlike Giardia does not infect its host by simply drinking contaminated water but by contaminated water entering the nose. Naegleria fowleri can be found in warm fresh waters. The parasite enters the human body through the nose and migrates to the brain where it causes Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis or PAM, inflammation around the brain/ spinal cord and destruction of the brain tissue. Naegleria fowleri is not transmitted from person to person, but by obtaining substantial amounts of water in the nose while water skiing, diving, underwater swimming or a significant amount of splashing in contaminated lakes or rivers.

 Symptoms of Naegleria fowleri include:

·         PAM

·         Headache

·         Fever

·         Stiff neck

·         Nausea

·         Vomiting

Later symptoms include:

·         Seizures

·         Hallucinations

·         Loss of balance

·         Confusion

·         Lack of attention to surroundings and people

 There are several ways to avoid this parasite:

• Avoid swimming in water with a temperature higher than 80^o F. (If the water does not feel cool upon entering, it is probably over 80^o F)
• Use nose plugs when water skiing or swimming in fresh water.

Even without the following parasites being a persistent problem in the United States knowledge is key. If planning on traveling to countries out side of the United States it is best to be acknowledgeable about the parasites that are causing disease in that area, if any. We cannot all ways control what gets into our bodies but if we become infected know the signs and symptoms can often time save further discomfort and /or lives.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 02 Nov. 2010. Web. 7 July 2012. <http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/giardia/biology.html>.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 22 Dec. 2011. Web. 7 July 2012. <http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/naegleria/faqs.html>.

Deq.state.ok.us/. N.p., June 2010. Web. 7 July 2012. <http://www.deq.state.ok.us/factsheets/water/pam.pdf>.