Anyone else get sick after snorkeling in DC?

[ten822]

I know there's no way to pinpoint where germs come from, but, couple days after snorkeling in the reef at DC, my DH and I got nasty sinus/respiratory infections! Ugh! And the snorkeling was amazing!!

 

[3cmom]

My DH and kids were fine afterwards and we were there about 6 weeks ago.

 

[Chelley00]

We went to DC on our first day of a 10 day trip and no one got sick at all.

 

[fantasia73]

My father got sick! The doctor asked if he'd been to a water park.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

With all due respect, I think its a stretch to assign blame or responsibility to the snorkeling at DC for any kind of illness, bacterial or viral.

An Orlando vacation normally involves

- the use of public washrooms
- staying in a hotel room (frequented by multiple housekeeping staff, not to mention an undeterminable amount of prior guests)
- touching a multitude of handrails and doors
- handing menus
- travelling in airplanes, rental cars, park buses, and shuttles

People are just as likely (and perhaps even MORE likely) to catch something from the handle of a spoon at a buffet restaurant, or from any of the above list (not to mention a dozen other sources) as they would be from snorkeling at Discovery Cove.

 

[keishashadow]

I know there's no way to pinpoint where germs come from, but, couple days after snorkeling in the reef at DC, my DH and I got nasty sinus/respiratory infections! Ugh! And the snorkeling was amazing!!

RWI's (Recreational Water Infections) are usually caused by swallowing water that has been contaminated by fecal matter. Typically, when they can pinpoint a source, it's linked to swimming in pools, waterparks, bodies of open water. Diarrhea is the most common issue, followed by respiratory infections, skin rashes, ear & eye infections, etc.

At the risk of being gross, one of the reasons people are asked to shower @ DC, or any public pool for that matter, Is to remove any residue of this sort entering the water. Same with swim diapers, please use them parents!

There was a highly publicized case of serious bacterial nature at a WP in the news this summer, but rare to hear IMO. Can't say I've read anything associated with the Orlando parks/resorts, other than random reports of people having skin reactions to likely over-chlorinated pools.

It's my understanding the snorkling water @ DC isn't chlorinated due to being salt water. That said, I'd think it highly likely they still routinely test the quality of the water as to germs. They have $$$$$ invested in the marine life, not to mention wanting to avoid any bad PR as to a rash of park-linked reported illnesses.

OP unless your dr did a culture to determine the specific germ, as you state, you can't really tell where/what you picked up. One of my kids is prone to swimmers ear/inner ear infections due to physiology of his ear canal. If he doesn't take simple, preventative measures, it's almost a guarantee he'll get an ear infection when swimming.

Still, it sure is no fun to get sick on vacation! Hope you're both feeling a bit better now and glad you had a great time at the park.

 

[macraven]

RWI's (Recreational Water Infections) are usually caused by swallowing water that has been contaminated by fecal matter. Typically, when they can pinpoint a source, it's linked to swimming in pools, waterparks, bodies of open water. Diarrhea is the most common issue, followed by respiratory infections, skin rashes, ear & eye infections, etc.

At the risk of being gross, one of the reasons people are asked to shower @ DC, or any public pool for that matter, Is to remove any residue of this sort entering the water. Same with swim diapers, please use them parents!

There was a highly publicized case of serious bacterial nature at a WP in the news this summer, but rare to hear IMO. Can't say I've read anything associated with the Orlando parks/resorts, other than random reports of people having skin reactions to likely over-chlorinated pools.

It's my understanding the snorkling water @ DC isn't chlorinated due to being salt water. That said, I'd think it highly likely they still routinely test the quality of the water as to germs. They have $$$$$ invested in the marine life, not to mention wanting to avoid any bad PR as to a rash of park-linked reported illnesses.

OP unless your dr did a culture to determine the specific germ, as you state, you can't really tell where/what you picked up. One of my kids is prone to swimmers ear/inner ear infections due to physiology of his ear canal. If he doesn't take simple, preventative measures, it's almost a guarantee he'll get an ear infection when swimming.

Still, it sure is no fun to get sick on vacation! Hope you're both feeling a bit better now and glad you had a great time at the park.

Thank you so much for posting this and setting the information straight

It is extremely helpful for all to know the facts and reasoning for RWI


I have a relative that works there and called him

Ha said they do routine checks on the water so all guests can be safe



It is awful to become ill on a vacation

Ten and Fantasia , I do hope you all recovered quickly!

 

[nmsagain44]

I know there's no way to pinpoint where germs come from, but, couple days after snorkeling in the reef at DC, my DH and I got nasty sinus/respiratory infections! Ugh! And the snorkeling was amazing!!

My boyfriend has been sick since the first week of April when we went to Discovery Cove. It has been 6 weeks and he is still fighting it. He has developed optic neuritis and he cannot see to drive, read or work. He may have to go to an infectious disease specialist after seeing a neurologist. He believes it is from DC because he started feeling bad within several hours of snorkeling there. If anyone else has experienced something similar, please let me know. We are desperate for answers! Thank you!

 

[macraven]

I sincerely hope he gets answers and correct treatment

6 weeks is a very long time to have his health linger

Eyes are precious
Will keep him in prayer

Keep us posted on him

Hopefully someone will join in here that can help guide you

 

[nmsagain44]

Thank you so much for your kind words. I really appreciate it. He's in the hospital now trying to get answers...

 

[macraven]

Thank you so much for your kind words. I really appreciate it. He's in the hospital now trying to get answers...

Was waiting for any update in your boyfriend
Should I assume no change yet?

(Please say he is improving )

Your post I still remember and continuing prayers for him

 

[macraven]

Nmsagain any updates on him?

 

[Kate Davison]

My boyfriend has been sick since the first week of April when we went to Discovery Cove. It has been 6 weeks and he is still fighting it. He has developed optic neuritis and he cannot see to drive, read or work. He may have to go to an infectious disease specialist after seeing a neurologist. He believes it is from DC because he started feeling bad within several hours of snorkeling there. If anyone else has experienced something similar, please let me know. We are desperate for answers! Thank you!

Hi I appreciate this was some time ago but my son swam at DC early June 2017 and fell very poorly a day or so later whilst on our vacation. High fever, severe inner and outer ear infection. He has never fully recovered and has suffered lots of health issues since this illness. I appreciate a virus can trigger all sorts of complications but we are desperate for answers...I happened to stumble across your postand it really resonated. If you can reply with an update and any findings since your boyfriend got poorly i would be so grateful. Many thanks in advance (also desperate for answers!)

 

[halfpintpeggy]

Hi I appreciate this was some time ago but my son swam at DC early June 2017 and fell very poorly a day or so later whilst on our vacation. High fever, severe inner and outer ear infection. He has never fully recovered and has suffered lots of health issues since this illness. I appreciate a virus can trigger all sorts of complications but we are desperate for answers...I happened to stumble across your postand it really resonated. If you can reply with an update and any findings since your boyfriend got poorly i would be so grateful. Many thanks in advance (also desperate for answers!)

Oh my goodness, so very sorry to hear this about your son. Prayers you find an answer!