Beaches Close After Twin Cities E. Coli Outbreak: Kids Infected

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Department of Health Tuesday confirmed three cases of E. Coli in three children who swam at Lake Nokomis beaches in Minneapolis in late July or early August.

Waterborne disease specialists recommended that the lake’s beaches be closed "until further notice," officials said. Staff will assess if there is an ongoing risk to the public.

The beaches were immediately closed Tuesday.

The children became ill between Aug. 2 and Aug. 5 after swimming at the lake between July 26 and Aug. 2, officials said. None of the kids have been hospitalized.

"This is the first report of people getting ill from swimming in Minneapolis lakes we have had in more than two decades," Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board superintendent Al Bangoura said in a statement.

"We take this this news very seriously and are working closely with the Minnesota Department of Health as they conduct their investigation."

State health officials believe there could be more people who were exposed to E. coli at Lake Nokomis who were infected but haven't yet seen a health care provider.

"This strain of E. coli can lead to serious illness," Trisha Robinson, waterborne disease supervisor of MDH, said in a statement.

"We encourage anyone who swam recently at Lake Nokomis and has symptoms of E. coli to contact their health care provider."

Park staff members are reaching out to swim lesson participants and the organizers of lake events held this summer and asking them to contact the MDH if they've been sick.

Symptoms of the illness include:

• Stomach cramps
• Diarrhea, often with bloody stools
• Low-grade fever (sometimes no fever)

"This is also an important reminder that anyone who is experiencing diarrhea should not go swimming while they are sick," Robinson said.

People usually become ill two to five days after exposure to the disease, but this period ranged from one to eight days, officials said. Most people recover in five to 10 days, according to a news release.

Infections can sometimes lead to a serious complication involving kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS, authorities say. Those most at risk of developing complications include children younger than 10, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, according to health officials.