Hotel Swimming Pool Research Articles

Pseudomonas Infection Outbreak Associated with a Hotel Swimming Pool - Maine, March 2023.

Treated recreational water venues (e.g., pools and hot tubs) located at hotels represent one third of sources of reported treated recreational water-associated outbreaks; when these outbreaks are caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, they predominantly occur during January-April. On March 8, 2023, the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) initiated an investigation in response to reports of illness among persons who had used a swimming pool at hotel A during March 4-5. A questionnaire was distributed to guests who were at hotel A during March 1-7. Among 35 guests who responded, 23 (66%) developed ear pain, rash, or pain or swelling in feet or hands within days of using the pool during March 4-5. P. aeruginosa, a chlorine-susceptible bacterium, was identified in cultures obtained from skin lesions of three patients; a difference of two single nucleotide polymorphisms was found between isolates from two patients' specimens, suggesting a common exposure. Hotel A management voluntarily closed the pool, and Maine CDC's Health Inspection Program identified multiple violations, including having no disinfectant feeder system, all of which had been identified during a previous inspection. Because chlorine had been added to the pool water after the pool was voluntary closed, environmental samples were not collected. The pool remained closed until violations were addressed. Health departments can play an important role in reducing the risk for outbreaks associated with hotel pools and hot tubs. This reduction in risk can be achieved by collaborating with operators to ensure compliance with public health codes, including maintaining chlorine concentration and otherwise vigilantly managing the pool, and by disseminating prevention messages to pool and hot tub users.

Application of Water Quality Index in Assessment of Swimming Pools Water Quality in Hotels in Emerging Africa Littoral Metropolis of Warri, Delta State, Nigeria

Swimming pools in guest houses and hotels in many cities in sub-Saharan Africa have been labelled ‘beautiful irritation’ or hazard zones for public health issues due to the unwholesomeness of water. Pollution in swimming pools is therefore, not uncommon and it is a serious public health issue both at the global, regional, national and local levels. This study focused on application of water quality index in assessment of swimming pools water quality in hotels in emerging Africa littoral metropolis of Warri, Delta State, Nigeria. It used stratified random sampling technique to select five hotels with swimming pool in Warri for assessment. Temperature, pH, turbidity, free (residual) chlorine, total heterotrophic bacteria, total heterotrophic fungi, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus tested in the laboratory using scientific method of sampling. Water quality index (WQI) was computed using Weighted Arithmetic Water Quality Index (WAWQI) to evaluate in general, the quality of water in each of the five sampled swimming pools. A five-point scale (excellent, good, poor, very poor and unsuitable) was used to rank each swimming pool quality. Result showed that Wellington Hotel had the value of 2.52 and considered excellent in terms of water quality index value. Also, Brook View and Best Western Plus Hotels were classified as good water based on water quality index values of 36.9 and 39.9 respectively while BB swimming pool was ranked poor due to water quality index of 51.4. In contrast, Oasis Place Hotel swimming pool was declared unsuitable for recreational purpose due to a water quality index of 102.1. The study recommended routine and periodic surveillance of swimming pools and other recreational water sources to guarantee optimum health and wellbeing of users.

Study of an Air Curtain in the Context of Individual Protection from Exposure to Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) Contained in Cough-Generated Fluid Particles

The ongoing respiratory COVID-19 pandemic has heavily impacted the social and private lives of the majority of the global population. This infection is primarily transmitted via virus-laden fluid particles (i.e., droplets and aerosols) that are formed in the respiratory tract of infected individuals and expelled from the mouth in the course of breathing, talking, coughing, and sneezing. To mitigate the risk of virus transmission, in many places of the world, the public has been asked or even obliged to use face covers. It is plausible that in the years ahead we will see the use of face masks, face shields and respirators become a normal practice in our life. However, wearing face covers is uncomfortable in some situations, like, for example, in summer heat, while staying on beaches or at hotel swimming pools, doing exercises in gyms, etc. Also, most types of face cover become contaminated with time and need to be periodically replaced or disinfected. These nuisances are caused by the fact that face covers are based on material barriers, which prevent inward and outward propagation of aerosol and droplets containing the pathogen. Here, we study a non-material based protection barrier created by a flow of well directed down stream of air across the front of the open face. The protection is driven by dragging virus-laden particles inside the width of the air flow and hence, as a consequence, displacing them away from their primary trajectories. Applying well established gas-particle flow formalism, we analyzed the dynamics of aerosols and droplets at different regimes of the flow laying over the bodies of the fluid particles. The analysis allowed us to establish the rates of velocity gain of the fluid particles of dimensions relevant for the pathogen transmissions, while they are crossing the width of the air barrier. On the basis of this analysis, we provide a comprehensive study of the protection effectiveness of the air barrier for a susceptible individual located indoor, in an infected environment. Our study shows that such, potentially portable, air curtains can effectively provide both inward and outward protection and serve as an effective personal protective equipment (PPE) mitigating human to human transmission of virus infection like COVID-19.

Studies on Physicochemical and Microbial Profiles of Selected Hotel Swimming Pools in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Studies on physicochemical and microbial profiles of selected hotel swimming pools in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria was carried out using standard methods. Six swimming pools of selected hotels within the Port Harcourt city that people use for recreational activity were selected for this study. The selection was done in such a way that all the zones within the city were considered. The hotels names were coded with alphabets for confidentiality. Each swimming pool was divided into up and down ends for this study. Average result obtained for both ends in each pool was taken as a sample value for each pool and was compared to World Health Organisation (WHO) standard for recreational water. Physicochemical results such as pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, chlorine and residual chlorine of most of the studied pools were not within WHO standard. The microbial loads of the studied pools in terms of total coliform, faecal coliform and Escherichia coli were higher than WHO standard. There is no doubt that most of the studied hotel swimming pools fall short of WHO standard for recreational activity. This becomes important when the consequences of swimming in such pools to humans are considered. There is urgent need for the hotels hosting the studied swimming pools to adopt the important five keys to maintaining water quality in swimming pool, which include proper filtration, proper chlorination as well as adjustment of pH, total alkalinity and calcium hardness levels as stipulated by WHO standards. This study has shown the physicochemical and microbial profiles of selected hotel swimming pools in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

Hemopneumothorax associated with pneumorrachis following blunt chest trauma

Pneumorrhacis is a condition marked by the presence of air in the spinal canal. We present a rare case of pneumorrachis of the cervical to thoracic canal associated with hemopneumothorax and flail chest with subcutaneous emphysema that recovered remarkably after shaft clipping surgery and chest tube insertion only. Pneumorrachis can resolve by itself with conservative management. A 45-year-old woman suffered from chest pain and shortness of breath after fell at the hotel swimming pool. Further examination revealed rhonchi on left lung auscultation and asymmetry respiratory pattern. Computed tomography of the chest proved the presence of multiple rib fractures 4-9 left side, hemopneumothorax, subcutaneous emphysema. Accidentally, the CT showed intraspinal gas representing pneumorrachis extending from C6-T3. No neurologic deficit was found. She was treated conservative by supplemental oxygen only, no further neurological deterioration was detected. Follow up examination was uneventful and the symptoms resolved completely. Pneumorrachis was mostly found accidentally with a variety of underlying diseases, especially in the case of traumatic pneumothorax and fracture of the skull base. Pneumorrachis was managed conservatively and should be taken in attention in the presence of neurologic deficits.

Microbiological and chemical indicators of water quality in indoor hotel swimming pools before and after training of swimming pool operators

The present study was undertaken in order to determine the quality of indoor pool waters in hotels along the Croatian coast. We wanted to assess the risks of exposure to microbial and chemical contaminants and find out if training pool operators to use a quality assurance system, that we developed, influenced hygienic conditions and water quality in swimming pools or not. The samples were analysed for free chlorine, pH and several microbiological indicators according to standard laboratory methodologies. Of 1,329 samples tested, 276 were found to be unacceptable either by chemical (148) or microbiological parameters (128). After training, the proportion of unacceptable samples dropped by 23.5%, mostly according to the free chlorine values. According to our results, most of the microbiologically unacceptable samples had chlorine levels within the recommended range but their pH values were too high. A free chlorine level below 0.2 mg/L was found in 106 (82.8%) microbiologically unacceptable samples suggesting the need for maintaining the lower limit at least above 0.2 mg/L in order to reduce microbial risks to a more acceptable level. This measure combined with training of pool operators might result in reduced health risks in pool waters.

Brief Communication: Cetaceans and tsunamis – whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?

Abstract. The composition of tsunami deposits is variable and governed by source material. Many unusual items have been recorded from tsunami deposits. For example, during the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, a dolphin was reported to have been transported 1400 m inland, a shark was found in a hotel swimming pool, and sea turtles were stranded kilometers inland. Reports and papers from early settlers and explorers have often highlighted similar unusual finds. We briefly discuss an example from New Zealand where intact cetacean skeletons were found elevated on land adjacent to the coast. The validity of this find as evidence for tsunami emplacement is considered. It is also noted that such old reports should be treated with respect and re-evaluated in the light of more recent findings.

Monitoramento e controle de larvas de Culicidae em criadouros artificiais na área da Usina Hidrelétrica de Dona Francisca, Agudo, Rio Grande do Sul

The aim of this work was to monitory and control of the immature mosquitoes around Dona Francisca Hydroelectric (DFH), Agudo, RS. There was a great concern to avoid the introducing of human diseases vectors in this place. Six areas were selected for sampling larva: The hotel swimming pool, the clubhouse near Jacui river, the station of water treatment, the administration square, workers lodgings and tyre fixing places. The collections were taken at three months intervals, during the building period of DFH (June/2000 to February/2001). Lectures were provided for about three thousand people in schools near DFH. No important epidemic species was found, only Aedes fluviatilis and other species of genus Culex, Limatus, and Orthopodomyia. The numbers of artificial breeding places and captured immature mosquitoes decreased throughout the study. There was not significant correlation between the number of mosquitoes captured and the environment factors (temperature, precipitation, and air relative humidity) probably due to the control and decreasing in artificial breeding places.

Energy-saving Supporting Tourism Sustainability: A Case Study of Hotel Swimming Pool Heat Pump

Based on energy-related measurements, this article evaluates the thermal performance, energy-saving, indirect emissions and financial feasibility of using heat pumps for hotel out-door swimming pools in subtropical climates. A rooftop pool of a city-centre hotel was investigated. It was found that the average coefficient of performance (COP) was around 2.0. The measured electricity consumption was 24.6 MWh and the total heat output was 49.1 MWh for the heating season studied (mid-December to the late April). Compared with conventional electric boilers and gas-fired condensing/non-condensing boilers, the total energy savings during the heating season ranged from 26.5 to 32.5 MWh. Greenhouse and noxious emissions can also be indirectly reduced by about 12,000 kg. A discounting approach was adopted to compute the net present value of fuel costs over a lifecycle of 10 years. It was found that, over a 10-year lifecycle, the energy cost could be reduced by HK$226,400 when a heat pump with an average COP of 2.0 was used instead of a conventional electric boiler. Derived from the energy cost saving over other conventional type of water heating equipment, the simple pay-back period can be about 2 years and the lowest internal rate of return can be 39%.

Cryptosporidiosis and hotel swimming pools - a multifaceted challenge

An outbreak of cryptosporidium infection affected at least 172 British tourists who had stayed at a family hotel in a Mediterranean resort. Recognition of the outbreak came from non-official sources. In the absence of any meaningful investigations by the public health authorities of both the countries, a tour operator undertook an investigation. The epidemiological studies were restricted but it was concluded that the outbreak was associated with contaminated swimming pool water at the hotel. The initial source of contamination was most probably a hotel guest who was excreting cryptosporidium oocysts. Examination of the water treatment system revealed some deficiencies in the sand filters but the effect on the course of the outbreak could not be determined. Although the media in the filters was thoroughly cleaned and the filters refreshed, oocysts could still be detected in pool water and further cases occurred. The challenges of an outbreak involving more than one country and the measures necessary to reduce the risks of cryptosporidium infections associated with hotel swimming pools are discussed.

Life cycle energy cost analysis of heat pump application for hotel swimming pools

This paper presents the work on evaluating the thermal performance and life cycle energy cost of using heat pumps for hotel swimming pools in subtropical climates. A roof top pool in a city hotel was investigated. The energy requirement for maintaining the pool water temperature was analysed in terms of the energy loss through four major processes, namely evaporation, radiation, convection and water refill. The governing equations for these four heat loss processes were developed based on a review of the literature. It was found that substantial energy savings could be achieved. Compared with conventional electric boilers and condensing/non-condensing gas fired boilers, the total energy savings during a 6 1 2 month (mid-October to April) heating season ranged from 39.9 to 46.3 MW h. A life cycle of 10 years was used to calculate the net present value of the energy cost. Over a 10 year life cycle, the energy cost could be reduced by HK$ 275,700 if a heat pump (with a mean seasonal coefficient of performance of 3.5) were used instead of a conventional electric boiler or condensing boiler.

Epidemiology of Travel-related Morbidity and Mortality in Children

1. Margaret K. Hostetter, MD* 1. 2. *Professor of Pediatrics; Chief, Section of Immunology; Director, Yale University Child Health Research Center, New Haven, CT. After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Name the most common cause of morbidity and mortality for pediatric patients traveling abroad. 2. Describe the therapy for travelers’ diarrhea. 3. Delineate effective preventive measures for malaria. 4. Describe appropriate immunization protection against polio and diphtheria for infants traveling to an endemic area. 5. List appropriate contents of travel medicine kits. The relative ease of air travel has made family vacations in exotic locales common. Moreover, many adults who have jobs in foreign countries now wish to have children and other family members reside with them. These circumstances have combined to make the pediatrician a major source of advice for travel or residence in foreign countries. Two excellent recent publications provide comprehensive information for pediatric clinicians (see Knirsch and Cappello in Suggested Reading). Despite the fascination with exotic infectious diseases, injuries, particularly automobile crashes, remain the greatest cause of morbidity and mortality among pediatric patients traveling abroad. Whenever possible, parents should request rental cars that have seatbelts and should bring car seats for infants and toddlers. Drowning is the second most common cause of death for children traveling abroad. In addition to supervising children at all times, whether in hotel swimming pools or in more remote conditions, parents also should exercise caution by avoiding fresh water lakes or rivers that may harbor schistosomes. Finally, a simple reminder to wear shoes or sandals on all hiking expeditions, even on beaches, will prevent minor cuts, more serious lacerations or penetrating wounds, and infections by hookworms or Strongyloides sp. Following accidents, the next most common cause of morbidity and mortality among children traveling abroad is medications that have been left at home. Typical examples include inhalers, nebulizers, insulin, anti-inflammatory agents for arthritis, and simple antibiotics for children who are receiving daily prophylaxis for otitis media or human …

Mentidero: Vidas Paralelas: La Comedia Española y el Teatro Isabelino Almagro, 16-19 July 1991

MENTIDERO VIDAS PARALELAS: LA COMEDIA ESPAÑOLA Y EL TEATRO ISABELINO ALMAGRO, 16-19 JULY 1991 DAWN L. SMITH Trent University A second version of Parallel Lives Spanish and English National Drama, 1500-1601 (first held in Calgary, Canada, in October, 1987) was organized by Louise and Peter Fothergill-Payne in July, 1991. This time the international symposium was held in Almagro, Spain, and coincided with the XIV Festival Internacional de Teatro Clásico, which takes place annually in that town. The symposium was attended by some sixteen participants from Spain, Great Britain , Israel, Canada and the United States. Sessions were open to the public and were well attended, particularly by a number of students connected with the Festival. During the three and a half days of the Symposium, participants gave papers, attended workshops and saw theatre performances every evening. With the temperatures soaring in a summer heatwave, and performances continuing until well after midnight, there was little time for relaxing — although the hotel swimming pool at times proved irresistible. The first session of papers focussed on various comparisons between the two national theatres: Dawn Smith (Trent University, Canada): "El Alcalde de Zalamea en Londres y en Madrid: dos refundiciones de un tema clásico". — John J. Allen (University of Kentucky): "El teatro, el público y el poder en Londres y en Madrid" — Anita Stoll (Cleveland State University, "El vestuario en el teatro Globe y en el Corral en tiempos de Lope de Vega". 389 390BCom, Vol. 43, No. 2 (Winter 1991) On the second day there was a workshop in which Isaac Benabu (Hebrew University, Israel) introduced Francisco Portes, Director and leading actor with the acting company that bears his name. Portes then demonstrated ways of interpreting a classical text — based on some key scenes from Calderón's El médico de su honra. Later that day the following papers were given: —MeIveena McKendrick (Cambridge University): "El espacio simbólico y los papeles sociosexuales en el teatro en Calderón". —Sharon Voros (Naval Academy, Annapolis): "Thomas Kyd, Pedro Calderón y la semiótica de la representación femenina." —Louise Fothergill-Payne (University of Calgary, Canada): "The Taming of the Shrew y La vengadora de las mujeres." On the third day a workshop took place on the recent uncovering and planned reconstruction of the Teatro Cervantes en Alcalá de Henares. This was presented by John Varey and Charles Davis (University of London) with Juan Sanz Ballesteros and Miguel Angel Coso Marín two of those responsible for the discoveries in Alcalá, as well as for a recent book on the subject. The session was followed by a visit to the Museo del Teatro and to the Corral de Comedias. In the afternoon session papers were given by Michael McGaha (Pomona College, United States): "La figura del negro en Othello y Las misas de S. Vicente Ferrer." —Susana Hernández-Araico (California State Polytechnic University): "Coriolanus en Shakespeare y Calderón." — Frederick de Armas (Pennsylvania State University): "Astrologia y alquimia en King Lear y La vida es sueño." — Ezra Engling (Lincoln University): "La puesta en escena de La aurora en Copacabana,dz Calderón." —Teresa Kirschner (Simon Fraser University, Canada): ' 'El montaje totalizador de la conquista en el cierre de El Nuevo Mundo descubierto por Cristóbal Colón." On the last morning there were two unscheduled events — both very successful in different ways. In the first, Isaac Benabu showed a video of a recent production of Lorca's Bodas de sangre that he had directed in Jerusalem. The second consisted of an informal 'encuentro' with members of the Compañía Nacional de Teatro Clásico, including several actors from the production ofEl caballero de Olmedo which was part of the Festival playbill. Those fortunate enough to take part in this Symposium came away with a feeling of excitement and enthusiasm similar to that experienced annually at the Chamizal Festival in El Paso. In both cases the opportunity to see live theatre and, at the same time, to discuss and analyze the subject with colleagues in an intensive way, is a unique experience which stimulates and inspires us as scholars and teachers. Although the fact that this...