Exotic Tourist Destinations and Transmission of Infections by Swimming Pools and Hot Springs-A Literature Review.

Mavridou, Athena, Pappa, Olga, Papatzitze, Olga, Dioli, Chrysa, Kefala, Anastasia Maria, Drossos, Panagiotis and Beloukas, Apostolos ORCID: 0000-0001-5639-0528 (2018) Exotic Tourist Destinations and Transmission of Infections by Swimming Pools and Hot Springs-A Literature Review. International journal of environmental research and public health, 15 (12). E2730-.

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15122730

Abstract

A growing number of people undertake international travel, and yet faster growth of such travel is expected in the tropics. Information on the hazards presented by pool and hot spring waters in tropical countries is very limited. This review aims to collate available information on pool water quality, alongside data on cases and outbreaks associated with swimming in pools in tropical regions affecting both local populations and travellers. Bacteria species commonly causing cases and outbreaks in the tropics as well as elsewhere in the world were excluded, and the review focuses on studies related to pathogens that, with the exception of Cryptosporidium, are unusual in more temperate climates. Studies concerning subtropical countries were included in the light of climate change. Diseases transmitted by vectors breeding in poorly maintained, neglected or abandoned pools were also included. 83 studies dealing with Microsporidia, Leptospira spp., Schistosomas spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Acanthamoeba spp., Naegleria spp., Clostridium trachomatis, viruses, and vectors breeding in swimming pool and hot tub waters, and fulfilling predefined criteria, have been included in our survey of the literature. In conclusion, prevention strategies for pool safety in the tropics are imperative. Public health authorities need to provide guidance to westerners travelling to exotic destinations on how to protect their health in swimming pools.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	swimming pools, tropics, subtropics, pool assessment, infectious diseases
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	14 May 2019 10:24
Last Modified:	02 Jan 2024 08:26
DOI:	10.3390/ijerph15122730
Open Access URL:	https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15122730
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3041242