Glenwood Hot Springs Working to Resolve Issues in Freshwater Children's Area

Glenwood Springs, Colo. On Sept. 11, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) issued a health advisory after four cases of cryptosporidium (crypto) were reported to state officials by health providers. At that time, Glenwood Hot Springs Resort began immediately assisting the CDPHE and Garfield County Public Health in their investigation and will continue to cooperate fully until the cause leading to these cases is fully eradicated in accordance with their protocols.

Out of an abundance of caution, the children’s aquatic area at the west end of Glenwood Hot Springs Resort was closed while it undergoes rigorous disinfection, monitoring and testing. It will remain closed until it has been determined to be 100% safe to reopen.

The investigation zeroed in on the freshwater wading pools and the splash pad of the children’s play area. Both hot springs pools and the adventure river ride were not the focus of the investigation and are open and operating as normal.

At the time of the incident, health officials determined that the resort had taken all recommended mitigation measures possible. In addition to using state-of-the-art filtration and disinfection systems as well as 24-hour water quality monitoring in this area, the Garfield County Public Health concluded that chlorine levels were within the appropriate regulatory range. All required systems appear to have been functioning properly and pool chemistry was always within the state-required levels.

About cryptosporidium

Cryptosporidium is a microscopic parasite that causes the diarrheal disease cryptosporidiosis. Both the parasite and the disease are commonly known as “crypto.” The parasite is most often spread by swallowing water contaminated with fecal matter containing the parasite.

Symptoms of cryptosporidium

Symptoms include watery diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever and weight loss. They can last for up to two weeks and most people recover without treatment.

For guests who feel they may have been affected and are experiencing symptoms, Vice President and COO of Glenwood Hot Springs Resort John Bosco emphasized the importance of visiting a doctor immediately so that those affected could be treated quickly and the cases documented with public health agencies.

Best practices for preventing the spread of cryptosporidium

Glenwood Hot Springs tests and monitors its water continuously and disinfects using proper chlorine protocols. These steps go a long way toward keeping bathers safe. Other important steps that prevent the spread of crypto include:

·         Not swimming if affected by diarrhea

·         Showering thoroughly before entering the pool

·         Not going to the bathroom in the water

·         Not swallowing pool water

·         Taking children to the bathroom frequently, at least once an hour

·         Checking diapers frequently, at least once an hour

·         Changing diapers away from swimming areas and wash hands thoroughly afterward

·         If a bathroom accident happens in the pool, notify pool staff immediately so appropriate measures can be taken

“The safety and wellbeing of our guests are of utmost importance,” Bosco said. “We are deeply sorry to any of our guests who may have had a negative experience. We will continue to work diligently with state and local agencies to guarantee public health and safety.” Glenwood Hot Springs Resort will continue to keep the public informed. For more information about cryptosporidium please visit cdc.gov.

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For more information, please contact

John Bosco, Vice President & COO ​​
​Glenwood Hot Springs Resort​
Email
Phone: 970-947-2954

or

Vicky Nash, Public Relations Representative 
Resort Trends, Inc. ​
Email
Phone: 970-948-4923