Outbreaks of Acute Gastrointestinal Illness Associated with a Splash Pad in a Wildlife Park — Kansas, June 2021 | MMWR - ISS-G20 Laboratorium Repository

What is already known about this topic?

Splash pads jet or spray water on users.

What is added by this report?

Two outbreaks were associated with a Kansas wildlife park: one caused by Shigella and involving 21 cases in study respondents who visited on June 11 and the other caused by norovirus and involving six cases in respondents who visited on June 18. Getting splash pad water in the mouth was associated with illness on both days. Outbreak contributing factors included inadequate disinfection, equipment, and training.

What are the implications for public health practice?

Maintaining adequate water disinfection and environmental health expertise and targeting prevention efforts to caregivers of children help prevent splash pad–associated outbreaks.

Entire content available on: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7131a1.htm?s_cid=mm7131a1_w