Officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are warning the public that there is a parasite potentially lurking in pools, hot tubs, and other recreational water areas that has resulting in many hospitalizations.

A total of 90 outbreaks have been recorded between 2011 and 2012, which resulted in 1,788 getting sick, 95 being hospitalized and one dying from the illness, according to an ABC News report.

Officials are fingering a parasite called Cryptosporidium as the reason behind these outbreaks in treated water. The treatment of water usually kills all bacteria and viruses, but this parasite is a lot tougher, sporting a shell that protects it as it seeks to invade the human body, resulting in acute gastrointestinal problems — especially diarrhea.

The parasite can live a long time in treated water — up to 10 days. This makes it especially dangerous, said one CDC official, who added the bacteria like E. coli die within minutes — and at most hours — in a treated pool.

Even worse, the parasite is especially dangerous for young children.

It takes about two to three weeks for the body to flush the bacteria, although those with a weakened immune system may see it last much longer, become a chronic illness and potentially turning fatal.

The key problems the parasite causes are gastrointestinal, resulting in your body losing nutrients at a dangerous rate.

How can you protect yourself? Check when the inspection was made at your pool via the local health department, or even use your own chlorine tests.