Columbus city workers are testing municipal pools to make sure they do not contain bacteria that can cause illness or death. Cleveland Clinic physician Susan Rehm says cities around the country routinely conduct such testing every summer. But in this week's heat wave, more people are using the pools. Some of the swimmers are sick, meaning others face possible contamination. Rehm says officials test to see whether the pools contain bacteria from fecal matter and other sources.
City officials say two types of diarrheal illnesses are suspected or confirmed in 55 people this year. The sources could be public or private pools at apartment complexes, motels and day-care centers. Rehm says to lower the risk for infection, avoid swallowing the water and cover up any open cuts on the body.