UPDATE on Horseshoe Lake County Park swimming beach closure & investigation
Kitsap County Washington sent this bulletin at 08/02/2018 04:06 PM PDT
August 2, 2018
KITSAP COUNTY, WA
Horseshoe Lake County Park swimming beach closure and illness investigation update
Kitsap Public Health District is investigating reports of a norovirus-type illness
The Kitsap Public Health District is investigating reports of people experiencing gastrointestinal illnesses after visiting Horseshoe Lake County Park between July 28 - August 1.
TheHorseshoe Lake County Park swimming beach is closed until further notice as a precautionary measure to protect the public and prevent any additional illnesses.
UPDATES (as of 3 p.m. 8/2/18)
The Health District is investigating all reports of illness. It is difficult to identify the cause of this type of illness from lake water samples. Identification can be confirmed from human stool samples, but lab testing takes several days.
The Health District is investigating approximately 120 reported illnesses.
Although there is currently no laboratory confirmation of a specific virus or bacteria responsible for the illnesses, symptoms are consistent with norovirus infection. The source of illness is still believed to be norovirus.
Nearby septic systems are NOT believed to be a factor.
REPORT ILLNESSES:
People who visited Horseshoe Lake County Park between July 28 - August 1 who have become ill with nausea, 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 online.
In most instances norovirus symptoms will improve one to two days after onset. If someone is experiencing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or stomach cramps, they should stay home for at least 48 hours after their symptoms resolve. Good hand washing and cleaning surfaces at home with a bleach solution will help minimize the spread of the illness. If symptoms appear severe or do not improve within 24 hours, a healthcare provider should be consulted.
The Health District will be posting information and updates on its web page and on Facebook (@KitsapPublicHealthDistrict) as more information becomes available.
