Spa can spread disease in winter

The outbreak of water-related disease outbreaks still occurs in the winter, often after people take a hot bath or spa, according to a new report by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Statistics show that in the period of 2009 - 2010, there were 81 outbreaks with 1,326 cases in the US related to relaxation with water (in swimming pools, ponds, hot tubs, . ). 22% of these outbreaks involve hot tubs and spas in the winter, and many of them even occur in hotels.

One of the most common diseases associated with outbreaks in spas / hot tubs is the infection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa . Healthy people can become infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, including ear infections or skin rashes, after contact with hot water tanks that have not been properly disinfected.

People are still at risk of getting sick when taking a hot bath or spa in the winter.(Photo: Shutterstock)

Called "hot tub rash" , infections often appear in the form of bathing suits worn by people, because this suit keeps water contaminated . Dermatologist Michele Hlavsa explained, due to high temperatures in hot tubs, maintaining a high level of disinfection as necessary may be difficult.

Of course, most of the epidemic outbreaks due to relaxation with water appear in the spring and summer months, especially in untreated water sources such as rivers, lakes, ponds, etc. The culprit causes The most common disease is Cryptosporidium , a parasite that causes diarrhea.

To prevent infection and spread of disease, expert Hlavsa advises, those who go swimming or take a relaxing bath should protect themselves and others by taking a shower first or not swimming or spa if they are suffering from diarrhea. . Another note is that you should try to avoid swallowing water where you are swimming or taking a dip.

"We all think that chlorine disinfectants can kill germs right away, but it's not true. Although most germs will be removed by chlorine in a few minutes, if someone swallowing water, they can make them sick, " Hlavsa said.