[From a news release from Clark County Health Department]
Vancouver, WA – Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation and Clark County Public Health have reopened Vancouver Lake for swimming, wading, and wind-surfing. The lake was closed last Friday when regular water testing detected E. coli above acceptable levels.
“We’ve tested the water twice this week and results from both tests indicate that E.coli levels are now within the range that’s considered safe for swimming and other water activities. We’re happy that the lake is available to recreationists in time for the expected hot weather this weekend,” said Clark County Health Officer Dr. Alan Melnick.
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.
