WASHINGTON — Hotels pools and hot tubs were linked to a third of all swimming-related disease outbreaks between 2000 to 2014, a new CDC report finds. <br /><br />During that stretch, a total of 493 outbreaks linked to chlorinated or treated water were reported in 46 states and Puerto Rico, the report said. <br /><br />The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the results on Thursday in its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. <br /><br />In total, the outbreaks led to at least 27,219 illnesses and eight deaths, according to the report.<br />Cryptosporidium (also known as Crypto), Pseudomonas, and Legionella were responsible for many of the outbreaks at swimming venues during that 15-year period.<br />Crypto is a parasite that can survive even in properly maintained pools. Pseudomonas and Legionella are bacteria that can survive disinfectants in slimy areas of hot tubs, pools and water parks. <br />The CDC report also outlined tips on how to protect from germs while at public swimming areas.
