Health officials in San Diego County report reported on the investigation cryptosporidiosis exposure at swimming pools, spas, and the water park at the Gaylord Pacific Resort in Chula Vista.
Resort guests reported illnesses after visiting the resort’s pools between July 24 and Aug. 15. Three cases were confirmed through laboratory testing, and a fourth was reported by a family member.
Image/CDC
The resort is private and not publicly accessible, so hotel staff directly notified all guests and day pass visitors who used the pools during the exposure window.
On Aug. 25, after being alerted by County staff, Gaylord Pacific voluntarily closed all pools and began a CDC-recommended hyperchlorination treatment to eliminate the parasite. The treatment included boosting chlorine levels, inspecting and cleaning pool filters, and maintaining elevated chemical levels until the water met safety standards.
County inspectors visited the resort on Aug. 26, 27 and 28 and verified that proper procedures were completed. All pools, spas and water park features were cleared to reopen on Aug. 28.
Cryptosporidiosis is a diarrheal disease caused by the Cryptosporidium parvum parasite, also referred to as “crypto.” Crypto lives in the intestine of infected animals and humans and is passed through stool.
It spreads when someone comes into contact with infected feces and then touches their mouth, usually with unwashed hands. In addition, Crypto is spread by swallowing water that has been contaminated with poop containing the parasite.
Some people with cryptosporidiosis do not have symptoms, but most people will have watery diarrhea. Other symptoms can include fever, nausea, vomiting, belly pain, and weight loss. Symptoms usually begin two to 10 days after becoming infected and can last one to two weeks.
Most people with healthy immune systems will recover without treatment. Dehydration, caused by diarrhea, is the most common complication.
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