Although swimming in the fountains is prohibited by law, it is ignored by many during the summer months. Without suspecting that this can cause infection with dangerous pathogens. This was told socialbites.ca by Denis Banny, doctor-expert of the Gemotest Laboratory.
“A fountain is a vicious cycle of water circulation. It is not designed for drinking or bathing, so it is not equipped with cleaning systems like in pools. In addition, disinfectants such as chlorine are not added to the fountains. Accordingly, many pathogenic microorganisms live in such waters. They come there with dust and are also brought by various urban birds and street animals. And a person who decides to dive into the fountain runs the risk of infecting them, ”said the author.
According to him, first of all, there can be parasites in the water, which, if they get into the eyes and ears, cause suppuration and inflammation. The skin is also prone to infection: after bathing in fountains, redness and intensely itchy rash may appear on it.
“The fountain may contain pathogens of acute intestinal infections: entero- and rotaviruses that cause dysentery, Escherichia coli, salmonella and shigella. Fountains also contain more dangerous pathogens: when they enter the gastrointestinal tract, they cause cholera and typhoid fever. In addition, the hepatitis A virus is well preserved in water – it affects the liver and impairs its function,” warned Denis Banny.
He noted that the fountains were also equipped with electric pumps and lighting as a decorative element. Unfamiliarity with the sprinkler device can result in mechanical or electrical injury if a person unsuccessfully touches any wire.
“Therefore, neither adults nor children should climb into fountains. If you want to swim, it’s a good idea to choose the city’s outdoor pools, which come into service in the summer. Well-kept beach areas with swimming pools meet all sanitary requirements. The water in them is filtered and disinfected. Also, samples are taken to check its quality.
used to be a doctor saidcan become infected by swimming in bodies of water.