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Health Officials Allow Water Park to Reopen

Spring Valley Beach

The Alabama Department of Public Health gave Spring Valley Beach Water Park in northeast Alabama the all-clear to reopen this weekend, according to reports from the park and WHNT News.

The Blountsville water park was shut down last week due to the presence of the parasite cryptosporidium, also known as "crypto". WHNT says Spring Valley Beach voluntarily shut down last Sunday after reports of possible contamination.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says cryptosporidium is a highly contagious parasite typically spread in swimming pools or other water sources containing fecal matter from an infected person. Crypto can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting and fever, especially in those with weakened immune systems.

ADPH says the park took steps to hyperchlorinate the water in order to kill off the parasite. Lem Burell, a local public health official, says ADPH no longer believes the park presents any public health concern.

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