As defined by the U.K. company Accepta, a Jacuzzi is a luxurious big tub or a small pool containing warm water designed for sitting instead of swimming. Jacuzzis provide hours of relaxation and massage and the temperature of the water is usually maintained between 30-40 degrees Celsius which may result in the growth of certain types of bacteria and parasites causing diseases.
Legionnaires' Disease
MayoClinic.com states that persons relaxing in Jacuzzis have increased chances of acquiring Legionnaires' disease, which is caused by the species of bacterium Legionella. Legionella bacteria can best survive for months in warm and damp environments. Legionella can infect Jacuzzi users who breathe in water vapors or steam dispersed through the system. Patients suffering from Legionnaires' disease can be treated by prescribing antibiotics.
Giardiasis
According to MayoClinic.com, relaxation in a Jacuzzi can also result in giardiasis, an infection seen in the intestines characterized by cramps in the stomach, bloating, nausea and episodes of watery diarrhea. Giardia infection can spread through contaminated food and water as well as through person-to-to-person contact. Giardiasis in Jacuzzis is mainly a result of improper chlorine disinfection. Patients suffering from diarrhea are advised to avoid Jacuzzis. Antibiotics are effective means of treating giardiasis.
Folliculitis
As stated by Merck Online Manuals, Jacuzzis may be responsible for causing folliculitis. Folliculitis is an inflammation of hair follicles caused by bacteria like staphylococcus aureus and pseudomonas aeruginosa. Folliculitis can occur anywhere in the body where hairs are present like face, scalp, thighs and groins. The symptoms of follucilitis are rashes, mild pain, itchy red bumps, etc. Folliculitis as a result of using a Jacuzzi is due to inadequate treatment of the water with chlorine.
Swimmer's Ear
Swimmer's ear is one of the diseases acquired through use of Jacuzzis, states MayoClinic.com. Swimmer's ear, or otitis externa, infects the outer ear and ear canal. The common symptoms of swimmer's ear include itching ear canal, drainage of odorless fluid, redness of skin, pain in ear and discharge of pus. Swimmer's ear is mainly a result of excessive swimming or prolonged relaxation in a Jacuzzi that exposes the ear canals to excess moisture.
