Health advisory issued for Wildcat, Horseshoe Lakes

A health advisory has been issued for Horseshoe and Wildcat Lakes due to reported cases of stomach illness (nausea, vomiting and diarrhea) from some people who swam at the lakes around July 29.

To date, water quality samples for bacteria from both of the lakes has been, and continues to be, within safe levels as established by the federal and state guidelines. Stool samples from some of the ill people have come back negative for disease-causing agents.

Although no direct link between the lake water and the illnesses has been identified, the public is advised of the situation and urged to follow the following health tips:

• Do not swim or enter the water if you are ill, vomiting, or have diarrhea.

• Do not defecate or urinate in the water.

• Do not allow diapered individuals to enter the water. Take children on frequent bathroom breaks.

• Wash thoroughly with soap and water after going to the bathroom or changing a diaper — especially hands and other body parts that may have come into contact with fecal matter.

• Do not ingest swimming water.

• If ill, see your health care provider as soon as possible.

• Do not swim in water that looks or smells bad, or areas with visible animal fecal matter on the ground or in the water.