Big Island outbreak doesn't signal worsening water illnesses

Jul 12, 20190

Aaron Lavinsky • Star Tribune count

The nature of the boating scene on Lake Minnetonka complicates the search for a source of what sickened boaters over the July 4th weekend, public health experts said.

Minnesota might face a future of more beach closures and waterborne illnesses as heavier rains contaminate lakes, but state health officials cautioned that last week's unusual Big Island outbreak may have more to do with human debauchery than climate change.

While high levels of E. coli have temporarily closed beaches around the Twin Cities this month, largely due to rain runoff tainted with animal feces and other contaminants, public health investigators are exploring other theories in the Lake Minnetonka outbreak that sickened at least 116 people.

http://www.startribune.com/big-island-outbreak-doesn-t-signal-worsening-water-illnesses/512608382/