If a client calls to report an absence because their child has conjunctivitis, ask them when they were last at the swim school. If the infected child was in the swim school within 2-3 days of infection:
- Notify the front desk of that location to let them know there has been a possible exposure.
- Site supervisors and booking centers should work together to keep an eye/ ear out for any further cases reported.
- If more than one case is reported within the same week, notify General Manager.
If a client calls and claims that their child contracted conjunctivitis from our swim school, we can reply with the following response as appropriate:
“Thank you for alerting us. We are aware that conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) is a common childhood illness and can result from a variety of causes such as bacteria, viruses, allergens, or irritants. We recognize that it can be found in places where there is a high volume of children such as grocery stores, schools, museums, playgrounds and possibly Hubbard. It can be difficult to determine the exact cause of pink eye because some signs and symptoms may be the same no matter the cause. While we do perform daily cleaning to our facilities, we will ALERT our staff to take extra care to clean common surfaces, play areas, and changing areas throughout the day. Please keep us updated with any concerns and please contact your pediatrician with any further questions. We hope your child feels better soon!”
In regards to a possible water transmission, the CDC states that while some forms of Conjunctivitis can be spread through water, such as swimming pools, it is not as common. In regards to our pool water at HFSS, we are proud to say that we exceed the requirements for Maricopa County Environmental Health Code. For example, in our small pool, we have a minimum water turnover rate every 110 minutes whereas the Maricopa County Health Code only requires it to be within 8 hours. We also exceed recommendations on standard chemical maintenance by using high tech measures and UV light to neutralize microorganisms quickly and keep our water clean and safe for our clients and employees.
Further questions regarding the care of our water, direct to a HFSS certified pool operator.
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/Features/Conjunctivitis/
Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is one of the most common and treatable eye conditions in the world in both children and adults. It is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, clear tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid and the white part of the eyeball. This inflammation makes blood vessels more visible and gives the eye a pink or reddish color.
FOUR MAIN CAUSES OF PINK EYE
- Viruses
- Bacteria
- Allergens (like pet dander or dust mites)
- Irritants (like smog or swimming pool chlorine)
It can be difficult to determine the exact cause of pink eye because some signs and symptoms may be the same no matter the cause.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of pink eye may vary depending on the cause but usually include:
- Redness or swelling of the white of the eye or inside the eyelids
- Increased amount of tears
- Eye discharge which may be clear, yellow, white or green
- Itchy, irritated, and/or burning eyes
- Gritty feeling in the eye
- Crusting of the eyelids or lashes
- Contact lenses that feel uncomfortable and/or do not stay in place on the eye
STOP PINK EYE FROM SPREADING
Pink eye caused by a virus or bacteria is very contagious and spreads easily and quickly from person to person. Pink eye that is caused by allergens or irritants is not contagious, but it is possible to develop a secondary infection caused by a virus or bacteria that is contagious. You can reduce the risk of getting or spreading pink eye by following some simple self-care steps:
- Wash your hands
- Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes
- Avoid sharing makeup, contact lenses and containers, and eyeglasses