COLUMBUS, Ohio — As of June 17, 34 out of 134 public beaches in Ohio were contaminated with Escherichia coli, commonly known as E. coli, but according to the Ohio Department of Health, they will remain open.
“There are several things people can do to avoid getting sick,” explained Recreation Programs Administrator for the Ohio Department of Health Mary Clifton. “Avoid ingesting the water, obviously. If it doesn’t come inside you, you’re not going to get sick.”
E. coli is a bacteria that passes through fecal matter of humans and animals. If ingested, the bacteria could cause gastrointestinal distress, such as diarrhea and vomiting.
Clifton also advised swimmers to cover open wounds and to shower after swimming in a contaminated area. “It’s always good to practice good hygiene,” she said.
Clifton attributed the contamination to recent rain swells across the state. She also said E. coli thrives in water close to agricultural runoff points and waterfowl populations.
Ohio Department of Natural Resources spokesman Matt Eiselstein said the department is running a pilot program at Buckeye Lake and Maumee Bay State Park designed to reduce the geese population. The program uses dogs to run the geese off the properties.
“E. coli is a very fast-moving bacteria. It comes up quickly and it dissipates quickly,” added Eiselstein.
To see which lakes and beaches are contaminated, click here.
“E. coli is a very fast-moving bacteria. It comes up quickly and it dissipates quickly,” added Matt Eiselstein, Ohio Department of Natural Resources spokesman.
