WHITMORE LAKE, Mich. – The Washtenaw County Health Department has closed Independence Lake beach in Whitmore Lake after tests found high levels of E. coli bacteria in the water.
The high levels of E. coli bacteria were detected during routine testing that is conducted at public beaches during the summer months.
The department announced the closure of the beach on Thursday, June 20, 2024. The beach will remain closed until follow-up tests find the levels of bacteria are considered safe for swimming. Even though the public beach is closed to swimming, fishing is allowed.
Anyone who believes they may have come ill after swimming should call the Washtenaw County Environmental Health Division at 734-222-3800 during normal business hours, or visit washtenaw.org/envhealth.
What are the symptoms of E. coli-related illness?
Symptoms vary from person to person but often include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting.
Some people have a fever, which is usually not very high. Most people feel better within five to seven days. Some infections are mild, but others are severe or even life-threatening.
Symptoms usually appear three to four days after exposure but may appear in just one day or as long as 10 days. Young children and older adults may be more likely to experience severe illness.
Around 5% to 10% of people diagnosed with an infection develop hemolytic uremic syndrome, which appears seven days after symptoms begin, often when diarrhea is improving. Symptoms include decreased frequency of urination, feeling very tired and losing color in cheeks and inside the lower eyelids.
If you have symptoms, you should contact your doctor immediately.