Monsoon Infections: How Safe Are Swimming Pools? Doctors Answer FAQs

According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, recreational water illnesses (RWI) are caused by pathogens that specifically spread through contact with contaminated recreational water.

“Monsoon can make swimming pools hotspots for RWIs,” says Dr Savyasachi Saxena, Consultant, ENT, Fortis Hospital, Noida.

“You can inhale the aerosols or mist of the contaminated water and develop some respiratory illnesses. If you ingest this water, you can develop gastric issues,” he adds.

Dr Sushila Kataria, Senior Director, Internal Medicine, Medanta Hospital, Gurugram, says,

“Because of the temperature and humidity, fungal and bacterial infections spread faster,” says Dr Sushila Kataria.

“The risk of ring worm, which is a fungal infection, is also high at this time,” she adds.

Swimmer’s ears refer to bacterial and fungal infections in the outer ear canal caused by water trapped in your ears.

Symptoms of swimmer’s ears can include:

However, contrary to its name, swimmer’s ears don’t just infect those who swim. Anyone can develop it. All it takes is for water or moisture to be trapped in your ear.