“The Department is aware of the media-reported case of Shigella. LDH investigates all cases of reportable diseases, including Shigella, but due to patient confidentiality cannot comment further on this reported case. Shigella bacteria do not naturally occur or live in water, nor do they originate from fish, wildlife, or environmental sources. Water only becomes a source of infection when it is contaminated by human feces containing the bacteria.
Based on recent information gathering, LDH has determined there is no need to recommend closure of Lake Cotile. However, the public should be aware that lakes can contain pathogens, both those that are naturally occurring and others that are the result of fecal contamination. We’ve included the additional prevention messaging below about how to safely visit natural bodies of water like oceans, lakes, and rivers, which can be shared widely.
How to Safely Visit Oceans, Lakes, and Rivers
Key points:
Water from natural bodies of water like oceans, lakes, or rivers can have germs that make you sick if swallowed.
If contaminated water gets into an open cut or wound it may lead to an infection.
Taking a few steps when you visit these places can help protect you.
If your body’s ability to fight germs is already affected by other health problems or medicines, check with your healthcare provider before swimming in oceans, lakes, rivers, and other natural bodies of water.
The Risks
While spending time in natural bodies of water—like oceans, lakes, and rivers—can help you stay active, it is important to know that the water we swim, play, wade, and relax in can also spread germs.
Water contaminated with these germs can make you sick if you swallow it. It can also cause an infection if you get into the water with an open cut or wound (especially from a surgery or piercing).
Steps to take
Taking a few simple steps when you visit oceans, lakes, rivers, and other natural bodies of water can help protect everyone from these germs.
Stay out of the water if
The water looks cloudier than usual, is discolored, or smells bad. Cloudy water can be a warning that there are more germs in the water than normal. Discolored or smelly water could mean there is a harmful algal bloom (HAB) in the water.
Harmful algal blooms in the water can make humans and animals sick.
Heavy rain picks up anything it comes in contact with (for example, human and animal fecal matter). This rainwater can drain into the swim area, making the water cloudier.
You see any pipes draining into or around the water.
Water in pipes can pick up animal or human fecal matter and bring germs into the swim area, especially after heavy rains or rainfalls after long periods of drought.
You are sick with diarrhea.
Germs in diarrhea can get in the water and make other swimmers sick if they swallow the contaminated water.
You have an open cut or wound (especially from a surgery or piercing). If you do go in the water while a cut or wound is still healing, use waterproof bandages to completely cover
Germs in the water can get into open cuts or wounds and cause infections.
Once you are in the swim area
Don’t swallow the water.
Water can contain germs that can make you sick if swallowed.
Keep sand away from your mouth and children’s mouths.
Sand can contain germs that can make you sick if swallowed.
Do not defecate in the water.
Germs in your fecal matter can make others sick.
Every hour, take kids on bathroom breaks and check diapers. Diapers should be changed in a bathroom or diaper-changing area to keep germs away from the water and sand.
Wash your hands for 20 seconds before eating food, especially if you have been playing in or touching sand.
If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Hand sanitizer might not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy, so wiping sand off before using it might be helpful.
Vistors should also be aware of Naegleria fowleri, an amoeba commonly found in freshwater and soil. It causes a very rare but nearly always fatal brain infection. The organism infects people by entering the body through the nose. Generally, this occurs when people use warm freshwater for activities such as swimming and diving.
The only sure way to prevent infection from Naegleria is to avoid participation in freshwater-related activities. To reduce your risk you can:
Avoid warm freshwater when the water temperature is high and the water level is low.
Avoid putting your head under water.
Hold your nose shut or use nose clips.
Avoid digging or stirring up the sediment in shallow, warm freshwater areas.”
Christina A. Lord, MD, FACOG, NCMP
Regional Medical Director
Office of Public Health- Region VI
Louisiana Department of Health
Central Regional Office in Rapides Parish