Who is Most Likely to Get Ill from a Recreational Water Illness (RWI)?
Children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems (for example, people living with AIDS, individuals who have received an organ transplant, or people receiving certain types of chemotherapy) can suffer from more severe illness if infected. People with weakened immune systems should be aware that recreational water might be contaminated with human or animal feces containing Crypto (short for Cryptosporidium). Crypto can cause a life-threatening infection in persons with weakened immune systems.
People with a weakened immune system should consult their health care provider before participating in activities that place them at risk for illness.
See also:
- Cryptosporidiosis Prevention for Immunocompromised Persons
- Recommendations for People Infected with HIV
- Detailed Information on Cryptosporidium
For more information on recreational water illnesses, including brochures, posters, and educational materials, please see Healthy Swimming's Resources and Publications page.
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