Excelsior Beach Closed By Department Of Health Due To E Coli

The Minnesota Department of Health closed Excelsior Beach late Tuesday afternoon due to what a police officer said was elevated E coli levels.

While Hennepin County's list of closed beaches has not been updated since close of business Tuesday, the police officer said several other beaches on the northern side of Lake Minnetonka have also been closed.

E coli near Big Island sickened at least three swimmers over the Fourth of July holiday. Health officials said the water was probably contaminated by a boater discharging toilet tanks or possibly by a sick swimmer. Several more individuals have been treated in recent weeks with similar symptoms—although exactly how many remains unclear.

Elevated E coli levels closed beaches in Tonka Bay and Mound earlier this summer, and beaches in Wayzata, Excelsior and Orono have also been closed during the last two years due to the bacteria.

The best way to prevent recreational water illnesses is to keep germs out of the water in the first place. Swimmers can take an active role in protecting themselves and other swimmers by following these simple steps for a healthy swimming experience while swimming in any lake:

• Don't swim when you have diarrhea.
• Don't swallow lake water.
• Practice good hygiene. Shower with soap before swimming.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet or changing diapers.
• Take children on bathroom breaks or change diapers often.
• Change diapers in a bathroom, not at beachside.

Symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 illness typically include stomach cramps and diarrhea, often with bloody stools, but little or no fever. People typically become ill two to five days after swimming in contaminated water. Most people recover in five to 10 days. However, E. coli O157:H7 infection sometimes leads to a serious complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can cause kidney failure and other severe problems, including death. HUS can occur a week or more after the onset of diarrhea. Those most at risk of developing complications from E. coli include the very young, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.

E. coli O157:H7 infections should not be treated with antibiotics, which might promote the development of HUS. More information on E. coli O157:H7 can be found via the MDH website. 

Anyone who believes they may have developed E. coli should contact their health care provider.