Illnesses Associated With Swimming In Lakes Increased
Several cases of illnesses associated with swimming and other recreational water activities in lakes have been reported to the North Dakota Department of Health.
Several kinds of germs that cause diarrhea are naturally found in lakes and rivers. For example, cryptosporidium is a parasite that finds its way into water when excreted in feces of people and many species of animals, including cattle, sheep, rodents, cats, dogs and birds. Humans become infected by swallowing water contaminated with the parasite.
"Unfortunately, people don't often realize that lakes and rivers can contain germs that may make them sick," Goplin said. "It's very important that people don't swallow the water when swimming or water skiing."
