Infection: swimming pools in Cumbernauld closed
The swimming pools at a sports centre in North Lanarkshire have been closed as a precaution after 16 people across the whole of Lanarkshire were infected with cryptosporidium.
The virus, which can be passed from person to person, causes the victim to experience diarrhoea. People who use swimming pools are amongst those who are likely to catch the infection. The pools at the Tryst Sports Complex in Cumbernauld have been closed following a recent increase in cases in the area.
A spokeswoman from NHS Lanarkshire said there are three cases of the infection being reported every week at the moment. Usually, 0.5 to 1.5 cases are reported. In the past two months, 16 cases have been highlighted across the health board area. The spokeswoman added that "fewer than five" of those had attended the pool.
Dr John Logan, Consultant in Public Health Medicine advised "From reviewing the cases in Lanarkshire it was identified that a small number had visited the swimming pools within the Tryst Sports Complex in Cumbernauld. As a precautionary measure North Lanarkshire Leisure agreed to temporarily close the swimming pools at the Tryst.
"We recognise that these cases may not have acquired their infection from using the swimming pools and our investigations include reviewing other possible explanations for the increase. We do expect to see cases of cryptosporidiosis throughout the year and regular reviews take place to identify if there are any common factors."
A spokesman for North Lanarkshire Leisure added: "On advice from our colleagues at NHS Lanarkshire we have temporarily closed the pool at The Tryst in Cumbernauld. This is on a precautionary basis due to the possible and unconfirmed presence of cryptosporidium.
"We are now following our robust procedures and are liaising closely with colleagues from NHS Lanarkshire, North Lanarkshire Council’s environmental services and the Health and Safety Executive to carry out further tests. Once these tests are complete we will reopen the pool at The Tryst as soon as possible."
In August 2002, cryptosporidium was detected in the Mugdock Reservoir in Milngavie, Glasgow. As a result, approximately 140,000 Glasgow residents were advised to boil all tap water used for drinking, preparing food, brushing teeth and bathing babies.
Anyone with concerns about a diarrhoeal illness should contact their GP or NHS24 (www.nhs24.com or 08454 24 24 24) for advice.
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