KEARNEY— Two Rivers Public Health Department says that the Cottonmill Swimming Pond in Kearney has tested positive for E. coli bacteria according to samples taken this past Monday.
The Friday morning release stated that when E. coli bacteria levels test above 235 colonies per 100 ml, a health alert is not issued, but that conditions are at a higher risk to human health when swimming. Because of rapid changes in bacteria conditions, signs are not posted with the higher levels but the department does want people to be aware of conditions so that they can use their own judgement. They added that there is a risk of infectious disease when swimming in any recreational body of water.
Two Rivers Public Health encourages avoiding situations that could cause the swallowing of water, showering after being in contact with the water, and washing hands before eating if you have been in contact with the water.
According to the CDC, most E. coli are harmless and are part of a healthy intestinal tract, helping with the digestion of food while producing vitamins and protecting from harmful germs. However, some E. coli can make people sick after swallowing it. Those listed as more likely to get infected include children under five, adults 65 and older, people with weakened immune systems, and international travelers.
