Horseshoe Lake County Park swimming beach closed until further notice
Kitsap County Washington sent this bulletin at 08/01/2018 03:40 PM PDT
August 1, 2018
KITSAP COUNTY, WA
Horseshoe Lake County Park swimming beach closed until further notice
Kitsap Public Health District is investigating reports of a norovirus-type illness
The Kitsap Public Health District and
Kitsap County Parks and Recreation Department have closed the
swimming beach at Horseshoe Lake County Park until further notice while
multiple reports of a norovirus-type illness are investigated.
The
Kitsap Public Health District has received a number of reports of people
experiencing gastrointestinal illnesses after swimming at Horseshoe Lake County
Park over the weekend. Although
there is currently no laboratory confirmation of a specific virus or bacteria
responsible for the illnesses, symptoms are consistent with norovirusinfection. The beach has been closed as a
precautionary measure to protect the public and prevent any additional
illnesses.
The Health District is investigating
these reports. In most cases, it is difficult to identify the cause of this
type of illness from lake water samples. Identification can be confirmed
from human stool samples.
People who visited Horseshoe Lake County Park since Saturday, July
28 and who become ill with diarrhea, vomiting, and/or stomach cramps are asked
to call the Health District at 360-728-2205 to report their illness, the number
of people affected, and which day(s) they were at the park. People may also
report their illness symptoms online at http://kitsappublichealth.org/about/health-concern.php.
In most instances norovirus symptoms
will improve one to two days after onset. If you are experiencing nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea, and/or stomach cramps, stay home for at least 48 hours after
your symptoms resolve. Good handwashing and cleaning surfaces at home will help
keep your family healthy. If your symptoms appear severe or do not improve
within 24 hours, you should contact your healthcare provider.
The Health District will be posting information and updates on its
webpage and on Facebook (@KitsapPublicHealthDistrict) as more information becomes
available.
