Waterborne Illnesses

The most common symptom of cryptosporidiosis is diarrhea that is usually watery and profuse, and often accompanied by abdominal cramping. 

Giardiasis is a commonly reported cause of diarrhea in Wisconsin, with an average of 1,200-1,300 cases reported in Wisconsin each year.

Legionella bacteria are found in freshwater and moist environments. Legionella can become a public health problem in manmade water systems, where it can grow and spread.

We collect information about human and animal illness resulting from exposure to blue-green algae. If you get sick after swimming in a Wisconsin lake or river, report possible algae-related illness.

Vibriosis (non-cholera) is a disease the causes watery diarrhea. It is more common in the U.S. between May to October. People mostly get sick after eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters. 

Hot tub rash is an inflammation of the hair follicles caused by infection. It has been reported in people using hot tubs, whirlpools, saunas, swimming pools, waterslides, and physiotherapy pools.

Swimmer's itch is a skin rash caused by tiny parasites found in water. The parasite normally infects birds or mammals that live near water, but can sometimes find a human and cause an allergic reaction.

Every year, injuries from pool chemicals lead to emergency room visits. Pool chemicals can lead to injury when mixed together or when appropriate personal protective equipment is not used during handling.

There are certain types of free-living ameba (FLA) infection that can cause rare, but severe infections of the eye, skin, central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), or other parts of the body.