Pool closes for deep cleaning after illnesses
The city of Ames is closing a swimming pool to enable a deep cleaning after health officials confirmed two cases of a waterborne illness in Story County.
The city says in a news release it closed the Furman Aquatic Center on Friday afternoon and would reopen at some point Saturday.
Officials are taking the action at the request of the Iowa Department of Public Health, which has confirmed two cases of cryptosporidium in the county.
Cryptosporidium is a chlorine-resistant, highly infectious parasite that causes diarrhea and abdominal cramping.
The pool will close to undergo a hyperchlorination process that officials say will ensure it operates at the highest sanitation level possible.
Due to cases in Polk County, some Des Moines-area pools posted signs warning people with diarrhea to stay away.