Presumed Pseudomonas folliculitis outbreak in children following an outdoor games event.

In early summer 2001, an outbreak of atypical rash occurred among children from 24 junior schools who attended an outdoor games event. The event comprised a series of five water games including a water slide, and within 24 hours of attending the event 151/593 (26%) children developed a papulopustular rash. The rash had a characteristic distribution, predominantly over the lower trunk and buttocks, with some involvement of the arms and legs. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated from a water butt used to draw water for the games, and from the tank of a fire engine that supplied the water. Similar outbreaks, due to Pseudomonas folliculitis, have been previously described and in immunocompromised people this can be associated with serious illness. We recommend that superchlorinated water be used for water play events and that care be taken to avoid abrasive surfaces.