A water parasite sickened at least 36 people in Montgomery County and the health department closed more pools to prevent more spread.

At least two of the pools have reopened, which is good news on a day of sizzling temperatures.

The Montgomery County Department of Health said it was necessary to help prevent more cases of cryptosporidium, a water illness spread by fecal matter that is highly contagious.

One local mother said her son spent three days in the hospital after swimming in one of the infected pools.

Pat Moore, 11, should be on vacation in the mountains but instead he's recovering at home after what his mom calls three difficult days in Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

He fell sick days after swimming just one time as a guest at the Spring Valley YMCA.

"He seemed like some days he would get a little better and then he would go down hill again," Ellen Moore, Pat's mother, said.

"Everyday I was just hoping for it to go away but it just wouldn't," Pat Moore said.

Doctors told the Moores that Pat tested positive for cryptosporidium, a diarrhea disease caused by microscopic parasites.

The disease is most often spread by leaky diapers and people with poor hygiene in pools, doctors said.

The Spring Valley YMCA where Pat Moore swam was closed down Tuesday for the third time this season.

There have been 36 confirmed cases of crypto associated with the pool.

The latest cases closed the toddler pool and splash pad because a child had an accident in the pool.

The YMCA said they have now reopened after super-chlorination.

The department of health closed three other pools recently, Camp Delmont, Sesame Rockwood Camp and Nine Oaks Swim Club.

Camp Delmont and Nine Oaks were asked to close when it was learned that someone with crypto swam there, NBC 10 reported. Two cases of crypto are confirmed at Sesame Rockwood Day Camp.

There is not a link between the Spring Valley Pool and the Sesame Pool.

Camp Sesame Rockwood said it took immediate action to ensure safe swimming and now have the OK to reopen.

But Health Commissioner Dr. Joseph Demino said swimmers must take some responsibility as well.

"If you're sick do not go to the pool. If your kids have diarrhea keep them out for two weeks," Demino said.

More Information

What is cryptosporidiosis?

Montgomery County Health Department