The YMCA, which operates the South Australian Aquatic & Leisure Centre on behalf of the State Government of South Australia, has taken a proactive step in closing the Leisure Area for deep cleaning following advice from SA Health. This is the second related case recently, and we apologise for the disruption.
 
Temporary Leisure Area Closure
Thursday, 3rd April at 2:30 PM – Friday, 4th April at 5:00 AM
 
Please do not visit if you’re feeling unwell.
 
Alternative pools available:
Minda Pool – Lap swimming & rehab
Unley Pool – Lap swimming
Marion outdoor pool – Lap swimming
SAALC Dive & Competition – Lap swimming
 
Thank you for your understanding and support.

Cryptosporidium Information

Cryptosporidium infection (cryptosporidiosis or 'crypto') is an infection of the bowel caused by the parasite Cryptosporidium which can result in gastroenteritis (also known as 'gastro').

How Cryptosporidium is spread

The Cryptosporidium parasite may be transmitted person-to-person. Infection is also spread:

directly - by drinking or swimming in contaminated water and eating uncooked food (such as fruits and vegetables) contaminated with Cryptosporidium
indirectly - when hands, objects and surfaces are contaminated with faeces of infected people or animals (cows and other domestic animals).
The parasite must be taken in by the mouth to cause infection.

Signs and symptoms of Cryptosporidium infection

The main symptom is watery diarrhoea which occurs with stomach cramps. Fever, vomiting and loss of appetite occur less commonly. Symptoms in people with normal immune systems usually last for about 1 to 2 weeks. People with severe immune suppression, particularly those with advanced HIV infection, may have severe, prolonged diarrhoea.

Diagnosis of Cryptosporidium infection

The infection is diagnosed by examining a specimen of faeces under a microscope or by detecting Cryptosporidium in a faecal sample using a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test in a pathology laboratory.

Incubation period

(time between becoming infected and developing symptoms)

1 to 12 days with an average of 7 days.

Infectious period

(time during which an infected person can infect others)

As soon as the infected person develops symptoms and for up to several weeks after the disappearance of symptoms.

Treatment for Cryptosporidium infection

For those with normal immune systems, specific treatment is not required.

There is no available effective treatment for reducing diarrhoea in people with immune suppression.

The following are general recommendations for the treatment of gastroenteritis:

- Give plenty of fluids. Oral rehydration solution is highly recommended for children with mild to moderate dehydration. It is available at pharmacies and should be administered following the instructions on the packaging.
- Mildly unwell children should be given their usual fluids more often Carbonated (fizzy) drinks or undiluted juice should be avoided.
- Medicines to prevent vomiting or diarrhoea should not be given (especially in children), except where specifically advised by a doctor.
- Breastfed babies should continue to be breastfed throughout their illness.
- Children on formula or solid diets should restart their normal diet (including full strength lactose containing milk) following rehydration with oral rehydration solution.
- Children who are hungry or ask for food should be given small portions of their usual foods, but avoid foods high in sugar or fat.

When to seek medical advice

Seek medical advice if there are any of the following symptoms:

Adults

Signs of dehydration, such as thirst and decreased urination, lethargy, dry mouth, feeling faint on standing
fever
severe abdominal pain
bloody diarrhoea.

Children

Signs of dehydration, such as thirst and decreased urination, lethargy, dry mouth, sunken eyes, feeling faint on standing
fever
abdominal pain
bloody diarrhoea
any symptoms in a child less than 12 months of age.