7/14/2006
Public Health closes Vancouver Lake due to E. coli test results
Vancouver, WA – Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation and Clark County Public Health have closed Vancouver Lake to swimming, wading, and wind-surfing for at least the next week, according to Health Officer Dr. Alan Melnick. Regular testing of the lake recently detected E. coli above acceptable levels.
“Clark County Public Health will test Vancouver Lake water samples twice next week” Dr. Melnick said. “If all subsequent testing is negative, we will recommend re-opening the lake to all activities. Clark County Public Health will coordinate with Parks and Recreation to ensure the order is enforced and collect water samples for testing.”
E coli. is a bacteria that can live in the intestines of animals and people. If swimmers or waders are ill with diarrhea caused by E. coli, millions of germs can contaminate the water if they have an "accident" in the pool. Therefore, swimming when ill with diarrhea can easily contaminate bodies of water, such as pools or lake. If someone swallows water that has been contaminated with feces, he/she may become sick.
E. coli Infections can be very mild (even asymptomatic) or very severe, even fatal. One type of E. coli, E. coli O157:H7 typically causes diarrhea, often bloody, and often with vomiting or severe stomach cramps. Fever is usually very mild or nonexistent. Illness typically lasts two to ten days. In some persons, mostly young children, the infection can also cause hemolytic uremic syndrome, a kind of kidney failure. Hemolytic uremic syndrome is a life-threatening condition usually treated in an intensive care unit. Blood transfusions and kidney dialysis are often required. Some individuals may have permanent kidney and other problems.
Here are some tips for preventing water contamination and avoiding illness:
• Don’t swim when you have diarrhea.
• Do not allow children in diapers or pull-ups to swim or wade in any lake or pool.
• Change diapers in a bathroom, not at the poolside or lakeside.
• Don’t swallow the water you swim in. If possible, avoid getting water in your mouth.
• Shower thoroughly with soap and warm water before and after swimming and make sure your child does too. Wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers.
• Take your kids on frequent bathroom breaks and check diapers often.
For more information, visit www.clark.wa.gov/health/environmental/pools/index.html.
Fact sheet about E. coli O157:H7 (PDF file 12KB)
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