Swimming Pools Combat Potential Parasite Problem

The parasite that temporarily shut down some Albuquerque pools is now making even more people sick.

Health officials said there are six confirmed cases of cryptosporidosis, and 46 probable cases.

Pools all over the city are hyperchlorinating in order to get ahead of the problem.

Health officials believe the problem started at the West Mesa Aquatic Center, but said swimmers who go to different pools could unknowingly be spreading the parasite.

Health officials recommended 23 pools around the state hyperchlorinate, including city pools which city officials said will hyperchlorinate every Sunday night for the next four weeks.

Area gyms like Sports And Wellness and Defined Fitness said they also took care of their pools as a precaution.

Some pools in apartment complexes are also shutting down just to be on the safe side.

Until health officials are sure the cryptosporidosis problem is gone, they said the hyperchlorination procedure is a good practice for any pool owner to consider. They said it could still take some time before the extent of the parasite is known.

The incubation period for cryptosporidiosis is anywhere from one to 12 days.

Health officials said if you have flu-like symptoms including vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to get tested -- and to not swim for two weeks after those symptoms go away because you could still be contagious.