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Man Contracts Eye-Eating Parasite From A Pittsburgh Amusement Park Water Ride

When going out to have fun especially at an amusement park, no one would think that they’d have to protect themselves from contracting a parasite.  The one thing most people do is sanitize their hands before they eat and after playing the games (maybe).

Robert Trostle states his eye immediately started bothering him immediately after the water splashed in his eye.

The man has filed a lawsuit against the park while the park received a visit from the health inspectors.

Read more as reported by CBS:

Photo Credit: Google

Pittsburghers know all about the Raging Rapids – a Kennywood staple and a great way to cool off on those hot summer days.

Robert and Krystsina Trostle claim they rode the Raging Rapids on July 2, 2017, and days later, Robert had severe pain in his left eye and was diagnosed with microsporidia keratitis.

Attorney Alan Perer is representing Robert and Kryststina Trostle.

“We’re certain that this is the cause. There was no other explanation. Water from this ride shot into his eye, which is part of this ride, the excitement and the fun of the ride,” said Perer.

They allege in the lawsuit it was caused by the microsporidia parasite that was present in the water.

“The water shot into his eye, and almost immediately thereafter, he started having these problems,” said Perer.

According to Perer, Robert had surgery to remove the parasite that was eating away at his cornea.

“The parasite is still there. It doesn’t get completely rid of it. So that’s the problem we’re dealing with now,” said Perer.

According to Perer, Robert is back to work now, but still having pain and vision problems.

“He’s in banking and works a lot using computers, obviously with his job. So, it’s a problem for him,” said Perer.

Kennywood told KDKA: “Ensuring the safety of our Guests and Team Members is our top priority in everything that we do here at Kennywood. That attention extends to care and maintenance of rides and water used in rides. We follow all regulations required by the Pennsylvania State Department of Agriculture (the agency responsible for inspecting and certifying amusement rides), and often go above and beyond what is required by state law. Kennywood’s policy is to refrain from comment on active litigation, so we are unable to go into specifics related to the lawsuit involving the Raging Rapids.”

The state Department of Agriculture told KDKA: “Water quality in rides is not the responsibility of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, which is expressly written in state law. Water quality is the responsibility of the ride/attraction operator (first and foremost) and the appropriate Department of Health (county or state). Our ride safety staff were notified of the situation, reviewed the details, and determined that it is not our jurisdiction.”

The Allegheny County Health Department told KDKA: “This was reported to the Health Department during the summer. ACHD notified the PA. Department of Health, the PA. Department of Agriculture and the CDC, and assisted them with the investigation. At this time, the investigation is still ongoing, and no further information is available.”

Source: CBS

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