July 2, 2012 Health officials urge Minnesotans to take steps to
prevent illness from swimming this summer Germs on and in
swimmers' bodies can make people sick; action steps can prevent
illness As temperatures rise and Minnesotans flock to swim at
their favorite beaches and pools, state health officials are
reminding residents of steps they can take to help prevent
recreational water illnesses this summer. "Germs on and in
swimmers' bodies end up in the water and can make other people
sick," said Trisha Robinson, an epidemiologist specializing in
waterborne diseases with the Minnesota Department of Health
(MDH). "Even healthy swimmers can get sick from recreational
water illnesses, but the young, elderly, pregnant women and
people with weakened immune systems are especially at risk." The
best way to prevent recreational water illnesses is to keep
germs out of the water in the first place. Swimmers can take an
active role in protecting themselves and other swimmers. Follow
these steps for a safe and healthy sw