Parasite closes popular Alabama water park

Published August 15, 2016

BLOUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The Health Department has recommended a popular Alabama water park close due to the presence of a parasite.

AL.com reports that park officials say Spring Valley Beach in Blountsville was closed Sunday due to the presence of the parasite cryptosporidium, known as “crypto.”

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According to the Centers for Disease Control, crypto is highly contagious and is typically spread in swimming pools or other water sources that contain fecal matter from an infected person. Crypto can cause watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, dehydration, nausea, vomiting and fever, particularly in those with a weakened immune system.

Chlorine can kill crypto, the CDC says, but it can still survive in properly treated water for as long as 10 days.

The park was scheduled to be closed during the week. It will re-open Saturday.

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