Jackson County (Press Release) - Jackson County Forestry and Parks, Administrator Jim Zahasky,
states that Lake Wazee Beach is open after being closed for the past week. Lake Wazee Beach was closed to allow
natural elements such as warm weather and UV lighting from the sun to destroy
human fecal contaminants in the water.
Christine
Hovell, Jackson County Health Officer, states that testing completed on July
16, 2012 by USDA officials on Lake Wazee Beach water, identified that human fecal
contaminants were no longer present and that the water is now safe for swimming.
The Jackson County Health Department in collaboration with Jackson
County Forestry and Parks began an investigation, Monday July 9th after receiving
notification of persons who became ill after swimming in Lake Wazee Beach area
on July 4th. Initially food poisoning was suspected, however after
investigation, the water in the beach area was identified as a source for
illness. Testing
by the Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene on samples obtained from ill persons, identified
Norovirus as the probable cause of the illness associated with Lake Wazee Beach
on July 4th. Over 200 persons
reported illness to the Health Department with symptoms such as vomiting,
diarrhea, headache, nausea, stomachache, fever and body ache. Illness resolved within an average of 24-36
hours.
Routine
testing of Lake Wazee Beach throughout the summer each year shows that illness
causing contaminants in the water have been practically non-existent. This
incident appears to be an isolated event related to human contamination in
Beach Water. Lake Wazee remains a prime
destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts due to its beauty and pristine
water. For more information about Lake
Wazee please visit www.co.jackson.wi.us.
The
Health Department would like to remind persons who are intending to swim at
Lake Wazee and any other recreational waters to:
~ Wash
their hands prior to eating,
~ Do not enter waters if you are ill,
~ Shower after swimming,
~ Avoid swimming after a heavy rain ,
~ Do not swallow water ,
~ Do not allowed soiled diapers in the water
~ Use restrooms as needed.
For
further questions please contact the Health Department at 715-284-4301 ext. 372
or Jackson County Forestry and Parks at 715-284-8475.
