Public Health Seattle-King County announced on September 30, 2026, an investigation into a cryptosporidiosis outbreak associated with an indoor pool in Bothell. While the reported outbreak occurred outside Federal Way, Public Health has reissued important guidance for preventing recreational water illnesses, offering crucial information for Federal Way residents who use local swimming facilities.

The outbreak, linked to the pool at McMenamins Anderson School in Bothell, is suspected to involve 14 cases. Exposure dates were identified as August 29 to August 30, 2026. According to the investigation report, laboratory testing was performed for five individuals exhibiting symptoms after spending time in the affected pool; four of these individuals were diagnosed with cryptosporidiosis, commonly known as crypto.

Cryptosporidiosis is a disease caused by a microscopic parasite called Cryptosporidium, which typically leads to watery diarrhea. This parasite can survive in various environments, including water, food, soil, or on surfaces that have been contaminated with infected feces. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that crypto germs live in the poop of infected people or animals and can infect individuals when swallowed. Even in well-maintained swimming pools, Cryptosporidium is “very resistant to chlorine,” as noted in the investigation report, meaning the parasite can survive for several days if an infected person uses the pool. Public Health's investigation determined that the pool at McMenamins followed King County’s health and safety requirements and was well-maintained.

Symptoms of crypto generally manifest 2 to 10 days after infection, with an average incubation period of seven days, and can last for one to two weeks. Most individuals with healthy immune systems recover from crypto without needing specific medical treatment. However, it is important to contact a healthcare provider if someone suspects they may have the illness. Cryptosporidiosis is considered common, with over 800,000 cases reported each year across the United States.

The CDC advises that practicing good hygiene is the best way to prevent the spread of crypto in the home. This includes consistently washing hands with soap and water, especially after using the toilet, before eating or preparing food, drinks, or ice, and after changing diapers.

Public Health Seattle-King County emphasizes specific precautions to prevent recreational water illnesses such as crypto, pseudomonas, and legionella. These recommendations are vital for Federal Way residents to follow when using public pools and other recreational water facilities:

* **Stay Out When Sick:** Do not use a public pool when you are ill, and wait for at least two weeks after experiencing symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps, upper respiratory infections, staphylococcal or pseudomonas skin infections, or conjunctivitis. * **Diaper Use Precautions:** Infants, small children, and other incontinent users must wear tight-fitting, waterproof liners around their diapers. Some facilities may provide plastic, rubber, or vinyl pants for this purpose. * **Shower Before Entering:** Take a shower with soap before getting into the pool. * **Avoid Swallowing Water:** Do not intentionally swallow a lot of pool water, as this increases the chance of ingesting disease-causing germs. * **Report Concerns:** If you observe any issues with bodily contaminants in the pool, notify the pool operator immediately. * **Submit a Complaint:** If you believe you became sick from a pool, spa, or other regulated recreational water facility (excluding beaches), you can submit a complaint to King County’s Public Health Service. This requires creating a new request and selecting “Water Rec Facility Complaint” in the request type box.