At this time, the Utah Department of Health and local health departments are restricting pool use for individuals under the age of five, or any individual who requires the use of a diaper.
At this time, the Utah County Health Department is tracking an outbreak of cryptosporidium, a parasite that causes diarrheal disease, abdominal cramping and other discomfort.

If you are concerned you or a family member have contracted this illness, please see your personal physician for testing and treatment.

While cryptosporidium is not typically life-threatening, we strongly advise individuals with any sort of weakened immune system to not swim in public pools. At this time, the Utah Department of Health and local health departments are also restricting pool use for individuals under the age of five, or any individual who requires the use of a diaper.

For details, please see the fact sheet below or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/cryptosporidiosis

The best protection is for individuals is to practice good hygiene. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has six suggestions to help you stay safe.

Don’t swim when you have diarrhea and for two weeks after it clears up.
Don’t swallow the pool water.
Practice good hygiene. Take a shower before swimming and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers.
Take the kids on bathroom breaks or check diapers often.
Change diapers in a bathroom and not at poolside.
Wash your child thoroughly (especially the rear end) with soap and water before swimming.

Almost all Utah County pools have been affected by this outbreak. Pool operators in the county have been working very hard to help control the spread of this parasite, but it is resistant to chlorine levels.