Illnesses & Prevention Tips

Recreational water illnesses (RWIs) can include a wide variety of infections, including gastrointestinal, skin, ear, respiratory, eye, neurologic, and wound infections. Learn the facts about the most common illnesses associated with recreational water and what you can do to protect yourself, your family, and others.

Some illnesses, such as head lice, MRSA, and pinworm, are unlikely to be spread in recreational water. However, there is a potential risk for spreading them at recreational water facilities through contact with other people or contaminated objects and surfaces.

Animals can be great companions, but if allowed in or near your pool, they can sometimes contaminate the water and spread germs that cause disease. Learn about keeping your pool clean and taking precautions when animals have been in or near the pool.

Animals & Pools

For information specifically about diseases or contamination and swimming pools, visit the Pools & Hot Tubs page. For information on protecting yourself and other swimmers, visit the For Swimmers and Hot Tub Users page.