8/3 UPDATE on Horseshoe Lake County Park swimming beach closure & investigation
Kitsap County Washington sent this bulletin at 08/03/2018 03:58 PM PDT
August 3, 2018
KITSAP COUNTY, WA
Horseshoe Lake County Park swimming beach closure and illness investigation update
Kitsap Public Health District is investigating approximately 139 reports of a norovirus-like 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.
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.
Although there is currently no laboratory confirmation of a specific virus or bacteria responsible for the illnesses, symptoms are consistent with norovirus infection. Nearby septic systems are not believed to be a factor or source.
In most instances norovirus symptoms will improve one to two days after onset. It is important to stay hydrated. 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.
UPDATE (as of 2 p.m. 8/3/18)
The
Health District is investigating approximately 139 reported
illnesses.
It
is important that people understand that norovirus is highly
contagious. People can become ill due to exposure
to the virus while caring for someone who is ill. People can
also spread the virus by returning to work or visiting recreational
facilities or other public places while they are still sick - or after
symptoms resolve but they are still contagious.
People
who are sick with diarrhea, vomiting, and/or stomach cramps should stay
home from all activities and not prepare food for others for at
least 48 hours after they recover from their illness.
Hand
hygiene with soap and water and cleaning surfaces in the
home where someone is sick with norovirus-like illness is
extremely important. A bleach solution of 1 cup of bleach to 1 gallon of
water is recommended to kill norovirus on surfaces. This is a much higher
concentration than normally recommended for sanitizing.
REPORT ILLNESSES
Please contact Kitsap Public Health online or at (360) 728-2205 to report your illness if:
You or your family visited Horseshoe Lake County Park since Saturday, July 28 and became ill with diarrhea, vomiting, and/or stomach cramps
You or your family members had contact with an ill visitor to the park since Saturday, July 28, and then became ill with diarrhea, vomiting, and/or stomach cramps.
IMPORTANT! People who are sick with diarrhea, vomiting, and/or stomach cramps should stay home from all activities and not prepare food for others for at least 48 hours after they recover from their illness.
