The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released a comprehensive report documenting waterborne disease outbreaks linked to children’s splash pads over the past 26 years.
The report identifies 60 outbreaks in the U.S., resulting in over 10,600 cases, 152 hospitalizations, and 99 emergency room visits.
According to the CDC, 67% of these outbreaks were caused by Cryptosporidium, a highly contagious parasite that leads to diarrhea. Cryptosporidium can survive in water, food, soil, or surfaces contaminated with infected fecal matter.
Symptoms typically appear 2 to 10 days after exposure and can last up to two weeks, though some individuals may remain asymptomatic.
The CDC highlights that 95% of the outbreaks occurred during the summer months, between May and August. Of the outbreaks, 39 were directly tied to splash pads, disproportionately affecting children under 5 years old.
The risk is heightened because younger children are often not fully potty-trained or wear swim diapers, which may not adequately contain fecal matter.
The report also notes specific incidents, including 22 cases in Tennessee in 2021 linked to a splash pad at a public outdoor area. Similarly, in 2014, five additional cases were reported in the state under similar circumstances.
The findings underscore the importance of proper hygiene and maintenance of splash pads to minimize the risk of waterborne illnesses, especially among vulnerable populations like young children.
