Sick Swimmer Likely Caused Lake's E. Coli Outbreak: Officials

MINNEAPOLIS — Health and park officials say the type of E. coli that caused the reported illnesses at Lake Nokomis was most likely introduced into the water by an ill swimmer. 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.

"These types of contamination events are unlikely to be detected during routine beach monitoring tests," the Minneapolis Park Boad said in a statement Wednesday.

"The MPRB conducts weekly beach testing for water quality and posts results online, on the Beach Water Resources page."

Waterborne disease specialists recommended that the lake's beaches be closed "until further notice." The beaches were immediately closed Tuesday.

Staff are assessing if there is an ongoing risk to the public. Officials are now asking anyone who visited Lake Nokomis, regardless of if they got sick, to complete a brief MDH online survey.

If the public has any questions, they may call the Foodborne and Waterborne Illness Hotline at (651) 201-5655.