E. Coli Found At High Levels In Idaho Lake
E. Coli, the bacteria associated with severe cases of food poisoning, has been found in unusually high levels at three key locations in Lake Newport.
While the bacteria itself makes up for about one-percent of our guts “flora” (essentially, the microorganisms that reside in our digestive tracks), certain strains and high population densities can make one’s stomach churn. In fact, if left untreated, E. Coli can leave infants and the elderly in dire circumstances; stomach bugs associated with E. Coli can cause high fevers and irritable bowl syndromes, leading to many dehydrating trips to the bathroom.
The levels of the bacteria have actually been shown to be quadruple the amount of what’s considered “safe” by the Mahoning County Board of Health. Experts belive that the area’s cooler than usual temperatures and increased rain fall have had something to do with the outbreak.
To avoid possible complications with the bacteria, it’s advised to separate ones self from sources — and bodies of water, for that matter — experiencing elevated levels of said bacteria. In the home, it’s always a good idea to wash vegetables throughly with clean sources of water to avoid cross contamination of the E. Coli bacteria into our diets.
