Adelaide Aquatic Centre Temporarily Closes Pools Following Gastro Visitor Alert
The newly renovated Adelaide Aquatic Centre has been forced to close several of its swimming pools after a visitor believed to be infected with a gastrointestinal illness attended the facility. The incident has prompted immediate precautionary measures to ensure public health and safety standards are maintained.
Specific Pools Affected by 24-Hour Closure
Three key pools at the centre will remain closed for a full 24-hour period starting from Wednesday. The affected areas include the 25-metre outdoor pool, the outdoor lagoon pool, and the 50-metre indoor pool. This temporary shutdown allows for thorough treatment and disinfection processes to be implemented.
Health Authority Notification and Response
The aquatic centre management confirmed they received direct notification from SA Health regarding the situation. The visitor in question was experiencing symptoms consistent with cryptosporidium, which is a type of bowel infection that can cause gastroenteritis. While emphasising that the risk to most visitors remains low, centre officials stated they are taking immediate action as a precaution.
"While the risk to most visitors is low, we are taking immediate precautionary action and treating the pools to ensure the highest safety standards," a centre representative explained. "The Adelaide Aquatic Centre has an advanced filtration system on several pools with UV filtration in combination with chlorine which is one of the best controls for cryptosporidium."
Understanding Cryptosporidium Infection
According to SA Health information, cryptosporidiosis primarily manifests with symptoms including watery diarrhoea and stomach cramps. Additional symptoms may include fever, vomiting, and loss of appetite. The infection typically spreads through contaminated water sources, either through drinking or swimming, or through contact with surfaces contaminated by infected individuals or animals.
Health authorities have clarified that the infected person did not contract the disease from the aquatic centre facility itself. Medical advice should be sought if individuals experience severe symptoms such as signs of dehydration, fever, severe abdominal pain, or bloody diarrhoea.
Remaining Facilities Continue Operation
Importantly, the remaining areas of the Adelaide Aquatic Centre remain fully operational and unaffected by the temporary pool closures. The centre only recently reopened in late last year following an extensive $135 million renovation project that modernised facilities and implemented advanced water treatment systems.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges public aquatic facilities face in maintaining health standards, particularly regarding waterborne illnesses. The centre's response demonstrates their commitment to proactive safety measures and transparent communication with the public regarding health concerns.
