Swimming
in contaminated water may result in skin, eye, ear, and certain
intestinal infections, particularly if the swimmer's head is submerged.
Generally for infectious disease prevention, only pools that contain
chlorinated water can be considered safe places to swim. In certain
areas, fatal primary amebic meningoencephalitis has occurred following
swimming in warm dirty water. Swimmers should avoid beaches that
might be contaminated with human sewage, or with dog feces. Wading
or swimming should be avoided in freshwater streams, canals, and
lakes liable to be infested with the snail hosts of schistosomiasis
(bilharziasis) or contaminated with urine from animals infected
with Leptospira. Biting and stinging fish and corals and jelly
fish may provide a hazard to the swimmer. Never swim alone or
when under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and never dive head
first into an unfamiliar body of water.
Reference:
CDC Health Information for International Travel
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