Over the past couple of weeks, the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit has received many calls related to the new splash pad in Chatham. We want to reassure everyone that there are no reports of any diseases caused by visiting the new splash pad.

The water at the splash pad is treated and is safe, so enjoy!

In fact it is impossible for the splash pad to transmit the diseases everyone is asking about. Learn more about impetigo and necrotizing fasciitis (flesh eating disease) – neither can be transmitted through water.

 What is Impetigo?

• Impetigo is a skin infection that looks like a nasty rash.
• Impetigo begins as a cluster of blisters or red bumps that ooze a fluid which eventually forms a yellow-coloured crust.
• The rash most often forms around the nose and mouth but can be found on other parts of the body.
• Impetigo is caused by a bacteria Called Group A streptococcus (GAS).
• Group A streptococcus (GAS) bacteria are often found in the throat and on the skin of healthy people and cause no symptoms.
• Most GAS infections are mild illnesses such as impetigo.

Who gets Impetigo?

• Impetigo is mostly seen in young children.
• Impetigo occurs frequently near the end of the summer.

 How can you get Impetigo?

• Direct contact with an infected person who has impetigo is the only way to spread impetigo.
• You cannot get impetigo through air or water or play equipment.
• Impetigo is spread from person to person by touching the sores.
• Impetigo can spread from person to person by sharing personal articles such as clothing and towels.

 What do you do if you have Impetigo?

• If you have impetigo, avoid contact sports, swimming, and activities where you share equipment, clothing and towels.
• See your doctor – they will treat it with antibiotics.
• Impetigo is not contagious after you take your antibiotics for 24 hours, but it is important to continue to take your medication until it is finished.

 How can you avoid Impetigo?

• Avoid contact with the skin rash and the personal items of someone who has impetigo.
• If you’ve had contact with impetigo, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub to prevent it from spreading to you.

 What is Necrotizing fasciitis (Flesh-Eating Disease)?

• Necrotizing fasciitis is a very severe, sometimes life threatening disease caused by Invasive Group A Streptococcal (Invasive GAS) bacteria.
• Necrotizing fasciitis happens when the invasive GAS get into parts of the body where bacteria usually are not found, such as the blood, muscle, or the lungs. These infections are termed “invasive GAS disease.”
• Necrotizing fasciitis destroys muscles, fat, and skin tissue. It spreads quickly and is accompanied by fever and is very painful.
• Although healthy people could get invasive GAS disease, generally people with chronic illnesses have a higher risk.
• Necrotizing fasciitis is not common and very few people get it, however millions of people get impetigo each year.
• If you are concerned about necrotizing fasciitis see your doctor – early treatment reduces your risk.
• Necrotizing fasciitis cannot be acquired through air, water, or play equipment.

 How can you prevent group A streptococcal (GAS) infections?

• The spread of all types of GAS infections can be reduced by good hand washing, especially after coughing and sneezing.