Vic pools high risk for gastro VICTORIANS seeking to cool off in public pools have been asked to watch their hygiene, with fears they are breeding grounds for an escalating gastro outbreak. Victoria's chief health officer Dr Rosemary Lester says a gastro outbreak is linked to overheated locals seeking relief in swimming pools. She renewed calls for people to exercise good personal hygiene as gastro cases continue to climb. The virus is caused by swallowing the cryptosporidium parasite found in the faeces of humans, cattle and other animals. Dr Lester urged those who have had diarrhoea not to go into a swimming pool for at least 14 days after symptoms had stopped. Parents should also avoid changing nappies near pools. There have been 458 Victorian cases of gastro caused by the cryptosporidium parasite this year, compared to 88 for the same time last year.