Can people get a recreational water illness (RWI) from swimming in fresh water lakes and rivers?
Yes. Lakes and rivers can become contaminated with germs from sewage, animal waste, water runoff, as well as direct human contamination from fecal accidents and germs rinsed off the bottoms of swimmers. Avoid swimming in areas that have been identified as unsafe by health departments. Contact your state/local health department about germ-testing results for local recreational water. Some germs that live in fresh water normally don’t infect humans. For example, Naegleria (nuh-GLEER-e-uh) is a germ that is found throughout the world. Naegleria is found in warm, stagnant bodies of water and can cause severe illness. Naegleria enters the body through the nose when you are swimming underwater or diving into water. Persons can prevent Naegleria infection by not swimming in small shallow ponds or areas posted by local health authorities as “No Swimming.” Swimmers should hold their nose or use nose plugs when jumping or diving into water. Can people get a recreational water illness (RWI) from
