Contact:
Alan Melnick, Clark County Health
Officer
Brian
Potter, Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation
Klineline Pond closed to swimmers to prevent
illness
Salmon Creek Regional Park, spray
feature, to remain open
Vancouver, WA – Clark County Public Health
and Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation closed Klineline Pond to swimmers
Thursday. Routine water testing showed elevated levels of E. coli bacteria,
which can cause serious gastrointestinal illness if water is accidentally
swallowed.
Salmon Creek Regional Park, the spray feature
and restrooms remain open and safe to use because they have a separate source
of water.
“One of the best ways to reduce the spread of
E. coli in swimming areas is to ensure that children who are not potty-trained
stay out of the water,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County health officer.
“Swim diapers are not reliable, and we discourage their use.”
The health warning will remain in effect
until tests show that E. coli levels do not exceed Washington state and U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency guidelines.
Anyone having contact with water in Klineline
Pond should wash hands with soap and warm water. Park visitors may continue to
fish in the pond, but should thoroughly clean all fish and equipment. Fish
should be cooked before they are eaten.
Public Health will test the pond daily and
advise the public when water contact is considered safe again. Closure
information and testing results are posted at http://www.clark.wa.gov/public-health/pools/beaches.html#klineline.
Public Health will continue routine water
quality testing throughout the summer at Klineline Pond, Lacamas Lake, Vancouver
Lake and Battle Ground Lake.
About E. coli
E. coli is a common bacteria that lives in
the intestines of animals and people. The presence of E. coli in Klineline
Pond water indicates the water may contain bacteria found in animal or human
feces. Some of these bacteria can cause severe gastrointestinal illness.
Depending on the cause, people with
gastrointestinal infections may experience fever, abdominal pain, nausea,
vomiting and/or diarrhea, beginning several hours to several days or longer
after exposure. Some infections, such as E. coli 0157:H7, may cause bloody
diarrhea. Taking antibiotics or over-the-counter, anti-diarrhea medicines can
make some infections worse. People who experience bloody diarrhea or persistent
gastrointestinal symptoms should contact a physician or other health care
provider.
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