Camping and Water-borne Illnesses

Welcome to summer -- It is definitely hot and this is the time of the year for families to go out camping prior to the beginning of the new school year.

When you decide to go camping it is most likely going to involve water-- rivers and/or lakes.  The best way to prevent waterborne illnesses while you are camping is to make sure you do not swallow the water that you are swimming in.

I remember very clearly as a kid taking a bottle of water from the pond and looking under the microscope and seeing all kinds of different little fungi and protozoa.

It just so happens when somebody comes in with severe diarrhea of unknown etiology, we check for ova and parasites in the stool.

If you do have diarrhea, do not go swimming in the first place for the safety of other campers, as diarrhea or stool particles can be in and around the rectum  and therefore leak out while swimming.

Drink nice filtered water when you're out camping and make sure that you always swim with somebody. 

Always take a shower before and after swimming as this helps get rid of some of the bacteria and germs and fungus that might be living on your body.

And remember if you are boating, canoeing, and/or kayaking, always wear your life jacket if you're in and around water.  Finally, be sure to avoid alcohol.

Now go camping and have fun!