Case Reports and Prevention Measures of Waterborne Protozoan Infections in Public Swimming Pools and Other Recreational Waters

DOI: 10.6525/TEB.20150825.31(16).001

Hao-Yu Liu1, Dar-Der Ji1,2*

2015 Vol.31 NO.16

Correspondence Author: Dar-Der Ji

  • 1.Center for Research, Diagnostics and VaccineDevelopment, Centers for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan
  • 2.Department of Tropical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan

Abstract:

Apart from notifiable infectious diseases, Taiwan Centers of Disease Control (TCDC) helps the diagnosis of other infectious diseases for hospitals if necessary. TCDC also cooperates with local health bureaus and research institutions for the environmental surveillance in order to reduce and prevent the occurrence of infectious diseases. Here we discuss the surveillance of recreational water and report the cases  of granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE) and primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) caused by free-living amoebae(FLA) in Taiwan since 2006. Guidelines or regulations for correct usage of recreational water and methods for disinfection of water and facilities are introduced. We hope people therefore realize the transmission route and related information of waterborne protozoan infections and know the infection risk of usage of public swimming pools and other recreational waters to prevent the occurrence of disease.

Keywords:Free-living amoebae; Granulomatous amebic encephalitis; Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis; Waterborne protozoan infection