"More than 10,000 children became ill from 1997 to 2022 after using splash pads."

"Splash pads found in public parks across the United States are linked to thousands of cases of waterborne diseases that leave a calling card of diarrhea, fever and vomiting, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported this week.

More than 10,000 children became ill from 1997 to 2022 after using splash pads, and most of those outbreaks were attributed to cryptosporidium, a parasite that causes diarrhea and spreads through contaminated water.

No deaths were blamed on the infections, but the CDC said families need to be more vigilant about the proper use of splash pads. The agency also encouraged parents to avoid using public aquatic centers if their children have diarrhea."

Sabrina Malhi reports for the Washington Post December 4, 2024. [2]