MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Department of Health announced a total of 49 people who got sick with diarrhea after swimming in Lake Nokomis. This also includes the three lab-confirmed cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. Coli (STEC) identified earlier this week.
Both children and adults were affected, and 20% of the cases were kids under 10. Everyone has been swimming at the lake between July 16 and August 11.
Officials said it's not usual to see more cases after information is released to the public - people then realize that the symptoms of their illness could be related to the outbreak.
Most new cases were identified through a survey the Department of Health sent to people known to have used the beaches from mid-July to mid-August.
Officials have decided to close the Lake Nokomis beaches for the rest of the swimming season, out of an abundance of caution.
Anyone who is experiencing the symptoms of a STEC infection should see a doctor. Symptoms include:
- diarrhea (often bloody)
- stomach cramps
- stomach cramps
Health officials remind anyone with diarrhea to avoid swimming.
If you went swimming at Lake Nokomis any time between mid-July and mid-August, complete the brief survey from MDH.
