Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
and operated swimming pools will have any effect on the occurrence of
occasional cases of poliomyelitis in communities.
3. In communities where a case of poliomyelitis has been associated with the
use of a swimming pool, that pool and its recirculation equipment should
be drained and thoroughly cleaned. (The State Department of Public Health
should be consulted about specific cleansing procedures.) After the cleaning
job is accomplished, the pool is ready for reopening.
4. Excessive exertion and fatigue should be avoided in the use of the pool.
5. Swimming in creeks, ponds, and other natural waters should be prohibited
if there is any possibility of contamination by sewage or too many bathers.
Summer Camps
Summer camps present a special problem. The continued operation of such
camps is contingent on adequate sanitation, the extent of crowding in quar-
ters, the prevalence of the disease in the community, and the availability of
medical supervision. Full information is available from the Illinois Depart-
ment of Public Health to camp operators and should be requested by the
latter:
1. Children should not be admitted from areas where outbreaks of the disease
are occurring.
2. Children who are direct contacts to cases of polio should not be admitted.
3. The retention of children in camps where poliomyelitis exists has not been
shown to increase the risk of illness with polio. Furthermore, return of
infected children to their homes may introduce the infection to that com-
munity if it is not already infected. Similarly, there will be no introduction
of new contacts to the camp and supervised curtailment of activity will be
carried out, a situation unduplicated in the home. This retention is predi-
cated upon adequate medical supervision.
4. If poliomyelitis occurs in a camp, it is advisable that children and staff
remain there (with the exception of the patient, who may be removed with
consent of the proper health authorities). If they do remain:
a. Provide daily medical inspection for all children for two weeks from
occurrence of last case.
b. Curtail activity on a supervised basis to prevent overexertion.
c. Isolate all children with fever or any suspicious signs or symptoms.
d. Do not admit new children.
Schools
1. Public and private schools should not be closed during an outbreak of
poliomyelitis, nor their opening delayed except under extenuating circum-
stances, and then only upon recommendation of the Illinois Department of
Health.
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