Austin prepares after N. Texas bacteria outbreak

AUSTIN, TEXAS (KXAN) -- A nasty parasite is affecting swimmers in North Texas. And some pools here in Austin are trying to prevent it from coming here. Cryptosporidium or "crypto" for short tested positive in a spring-fed lake in Fort Worth. The parasite causes intestinal problems, vomiting, and diarrhea, and can remain in a human's system for up to two weeks. Both Lifetime Fitness pools in Austin will remain closed Thursday and Friday to go through a super chlorination process. "People travel, it's not uncommon for people to travel from Austin to Dallas and Dallas to Austin," said Lifetime Fitness General Manager Joel Cochren. "Most people are appreciative that we're taking this precaution," he said. While Lifetime Fitness has not had any reports of any parasites here at its two Austin pools, the staff is remaining extra... [read full story]