At least 172 patients at Lake Minnetonka



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MINNETONKA, Minn. Hennepin County officials said more than 170 people had an intestinal illness after visiting the big island of Lake Minnetonka on July 4th.

At a press conference on Friday, county and state health officials said they spoke to 250 potential victims. They claimed to be able to confirm at least 172 victims of the disease.

Officials said the disease, which they described as an epidemic, was not linked to closed beaches due to possible E. coli contamination.

The symptoms presented by the victims – vomiting and diarrhea – were not as severe as one would expect in a case of E. coli infection, officials said Friday.

Epidemiologists still need to identify a specific pathogen, or a specific cause. But it is very likely that it comes from people who accidentally ingested water infected by a sick person on Big Island.

Until now, all identified victims were in Big Island on July 4th. There is therefore no perceived risk for the general public.

Officials say do not drink water from the lake and go to the lake bathroom. If you already feel sick, do not go to the lake or near a large crowd. Even residual fecal matter in your underwear could be enough to contaminate the water all around you.

If you have had recent vomiting and / or diarrhea and found yourself in this area around July 4th, call the Disease Inquiry telephone number at 612-543-5230 to report symptoms.

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