WARNING TO ALL PARENTS: Child passes b1oody stools after swimming in pool

Summer is one of the most awaited season of most Filipinos, especially the children. It is the best days for them, not just because they will not wake up too early and go to school but the happenings, especially the swimming we all get during this days.

As for kids, summer is lots of outings, swimmings, and gatherings. Full of fun.

But little did we know that too much excitement can lead to a disaster? If you don’t already, you definitely will after reading this eye-opening story. Just like what happened to this child after happily swimming in a public pool. Parents, the next time you want to have some aquatic fun with your children, do take note of the potential hazards in a swimming pool first.

Ira Tarina Ochan, the mother in question, recounts the horrifying incident as follows:

This was the whole post translated into English

A warning for all parents to be more vigilant when letting their babies swim in the pool. This happened to my little one.

We sincerely only wanted to make our little one happy, so we listened to him when he wanted to go swimming. During our holiday we went swimming in a pool not too far from where I live. 

However, without warning, the happiness we expected had instead turned into a catastrophe for my little one, like rice turning to porridge.

Within a few hours after returning home after swimming, my son immediately went to use the loo, but fresh blo0d accompanied his stools. We immediately took him to the nearest clinic.

Three days elapsed but his condition did not improve. At that instant, I brought him to a pediatrician in a hospital near our house, not thinking very far ahead. The doctor commented that there was a wound on his anus, but I highly doubted it since his anus appeared fine. It had no injuries — only slightly reddened, perhaps due to frequent bowel movements.

Another week passed after our visit to the pediatrician, but my son’s condition still did not improve. His stools contained a lot of fresh bl0od — not just a drop or two — as evidenced by his diapers.

At this instant, I began feeling a bit hopeless. Tears started streaming down my face. Exactly which mom wouldn’t be heartbroken at the sight of their little one suffering from blo0dy stools for over a week, without any change?

What caused the b1oody stools are horrifying

Ms. Ochan continues:

Negative thoughts crossed my mind about my baby — exactly what kind of illness is my son suffering from? My husband and I immediately took action, bringing our son to the hospital at Hermina Grand Wisata. Upon arrival, I explained the situation in chronological order,  from the beginning to end. As soon as I finished, the doctor decided that my child should be treated.

The nurse then took a blo0.d sample from his stools, which were to be examined in the laboratory for an accurate diagnosis of the disease. (a)

The next day, the doctor explained the laboratory results. 

Oh Lord, my husband and I have never been so shocked in our lives. The doctor told us that our little one had been infected by a microorganism called an Amoeba and that the bacteria had in fact eaten into his intestines, injuring it.

I took the opportunity to ask the doctor exactly what this Amoeba was, and where my little one contracted it from.

t was learned that the cause of this child’s b1oody stools is amoebiasis, which is an infection by the parasite Entamoeba hystolytica. The parasite can attack the intestines and other organs outside of the intestine.

“If this parasite infection attacks the intestine, expect various symptoms such as abdominal pain, b1oody and slimy stools, nausea, vomiting, and others,” Doctor explained. (a)

Most children who suffer from amoebiasis have initial exposure to the bug because they ate or drank something contaminated with the parasite. Pool water that has been previously contaminated with the bacteria can easily cause amoebiasis in children when accidentally ingested.

The parasite is common though, living in the human colon but not causing any symptoms. However, sometimes, Entamoeba hystolitica can eat through the intestinal walls, leading to the child defecating bloody stools.

moebiasis is a contagious disease. Living in an unclean and unhygienic environment poses a risk of this disease spreading rapidly. One method of transmission is through physical contacts, such as from shaking hands with infected people. Thus, ensure that your child always washes their hands before eating, after playing, or after shaking hands with others.

Tips for parents to avoid potential hazards in a swimming pool 

Parents, we understand that you might be worried about allowing your little one to have fun in the pool after hearing Ms. Ira’s story. Fret not! Here are some tips you can follow if you want to prevent potential hazards in a swimming pool from making your child ill: (a)

• Check the pool’s condition before swimming. Make sure you know how regularly the pool is cleaned. If you know the exact schedule, we recommend that you visit the swimming pool after each scheduled pool clean.
• Teach your children not to swallow the pool water. Explain to them the potential risk of contracting diseases if they swallow pool water.
• Make sure the child is fit before going for a swim. The body is more susceptible to infection by parasites while in a sub-optimal state.
• Give your child a shower with clean water and soap as soon as they are out of the pool.

Parents must take note of all the possible outcome before we send our children to different activities. It’s our duty to prioritize their health.

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