Don’t let the fun of the pool and the sea turn into a nightmare

Specialist Dr. Dilek Leyla Mamçu explained the infections that can be transmitted from the pool and the sea and the methods to protect against such infections.

The sea and swimming pools can harbor many bacteria, viruses and parasites.

Specialist Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Dr. States that there has been an increase in the number of people coming to hospitals with symptoms of infection with the increase in the number of people entering the sea and swimming pool in the summer months. Dilek Leyla Mamçu said: “Many bacteria, viruses and parasites cause pollution, especially in swimming pools with communal areas. Microbes mixed with water such as E.coli, Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Shigella cause diarrhea in individuals by swallowing water. Type A infectious jaundice disease (Hepatitis A) can also be transmitted by ingestion or ingestion of water that sick people come into contact with, through the mouth or nose. Rivers and seas can be polluted in the same way. Diarrhoea, respiratory infections, ear, eye and skin infections can occur from drinking this water or coming into contact with the body. said.

Mamçu pointed out that fungi are organisms that do not die in chlorinated environments and do not decay in the sea, saying: “If they find a suitable environment, they can settle and survive in different parts of the body. They are easy to contaminate from the pool as they can also split into chlorine fungal disease which is common in these months is generally ignored as it can be treated with different pomades however if the precautions are not taken it can be a major inconvenience to the In addition, chlorine in swimming pools also causes an eye infection, which we call chemical conjunctivitis.” made the statement.

Higher risk of infection in children’s pools

Mamçu emphasized that children’s pools are a bit more risky in terms of infection: “The main factor here is that children have less control over their stool and urine, and they are more likely to swallow water while playing. Infections can mainly be transmitted from swimming pools that are not adequately cleaned and that clean water is not circulated regularly.

Facilities must be able to provide cleaning reports upon request

Reminding that the Ministry of Health has determined the health principles to which swimming pools will be subject in indoor and outdoor pools, aqua parks, thermal pools and similar structures, Mamçu said: “Sampling of the pool water is done by the Directorate of Public Health or public institutions accredited by the ministry and authorized by the ministry institutions and private laboratories. Pool water is reported after being subjected to both physical and chemical analysis, and those found to be in compliance with relevant legislation are allowed to operate. Controls of swimming pools in tourist facilities are overseen by the Ministry of Tourism, and periodic maintenance and pool water analysis reports must be available on request. he said.

The primary cause of infections is organic contamination.

Emphasizing that the leading cause of infection from pool water is organic contamination from people using the pool, infectious disease and clinical microbiology specialist Dr. Dilek Leyla Mamçu also pointed out that microorganisms that reproduce in dark environments and stagnant water deprived of ultraviolet radiation can also be a source of infection.

Mamçu stated that precautions should be taken against such infections and listed the measures that can be taken as follows:

– In terms of cleaning and hygiene, you must take a shower before entering the pool, and when you go to the toilet, hands must be washed with soapy water.
-People with symptoms of illness or contagious infections are not allowed to use the communal swimming pools.
-People should go into the water with swimming goggles and prevent their eyes from coming into contact with the water.
– Avoid swallowing water as much as possible.
-After getting out of the pool, you should take a shower with clean water or rinse your mouth with clean water and wash your eyes with clean water.
-People with open wounds should enter the pool after covering the wound with a waterproof bandage.
– In cases such as fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, redness of the eyes, wounds in the genital area, itching, a healthcare provider should be consulted.