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Jul 23, 2008 3:49 pm US/Central
FW Lake Tests Positive For Cryptosporidium
FORT WORTH (CBS 11 News) ―
The Centers for Disease Control confirmed water tests from Burger's Lake near Fort Worth are positive for cryptosporidium.
The waterborne virus causes severe diarrhea in people that can last for two weeks.
The CDC said an infected person likely defecated in the lake, which has been shut down since the first reports of sickness. There have been 20 reports of confirmed sickness as of July 23.
The Tarrant County Public Health department is ordering heavy chlorination of the lake and has advised swimming pool operators to do the same. Fort Worth treated its pools Sunday. Arlington closed its pools Wednesday to do the same.
NRH2O says it hyperchlorinated late last week. The City of Lewisville said they have cleaning equipment in use daily to prevent the spread of the virus. In a statement, Hurricane Harbor officials said,
"The Health Department has not asked us to take any additional steps to treat our water. We meet or exceed all chlorination and water quality requirements and have no plans to shut down. Safety for our guests and staff is always our number one priority."
Here are some tips from the CDC:
-- Do not swim when you are ill with diarrhea.
-- If you have cryptosporidiosis, do not swim for two weeks after your diarrhea ends.
-- Do not swallow the water when you swim or wade in pool/lake/river water. Avoid getting water in your mouth.
-- Practice good hygiene (i.e., shower before swimming).
-- Please take children on bathroom breaks or check diapers often. Waiting to hear "I need to go," may mean that it is too late.
-- Please change diapers in a bathroom or a diaper-changing area and not at poolside.
-- Please wash children thoroughly (especially in the diaper region) with soap and water before swimming.
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