State extends pool restrictions

Children under age 5 will be banned from public swimming pools in several Utah counties for two more weeks.

State and local health officials are extending the restrictions to stop the spread of cryptosporidium, a parasite that can cause severe diarrhea.

Crypto is found in soil, food, water or surfaces that have been contaminated with human or animal feces. Diapers in a swimming pool are a common way to spread it.

Utah typically sees about 30 cases of crypto a year. But so far this year, 1,302 have been confirmed.

Swimming restrictions in Utah's largest counties were announced August 28th, including Salt Lake, Utah, Davis and Weber. Many more counties have been added.