Scuba diving in polluted coastal waters

During the summer of 1982, 17 of 40 New York City Fire Department scuba divers developed gastrointestinal symptoms following training dives in polluted coastal waters. Purged stool exams revealed 8 cases of pathogenic enteric protozoa infection. Parastic infection was significantly associated with symptomatic illness (p .005) and longer duration of symptoms (p .005). Pathogenic parasites were also associated with an increased number of dives. High volume water sampling at the main training site revealed the presence of G. lamblia and E. histolytica - like cysts, as well as numerous other human, canine, and rodent parasites. This is the first report of enteric parasitic infection associated with scuba diving in sewage-contaminated coastal waters. Divers who must enter polluted waters should wear protective equipment to minimize oral contact with water. Physicians caring for these divers should be aware of the potential pathogens found in polluted waters.