The swim beach at Dam Site Island on Beaver Lake has been closed due to high E. coli levels, according to a news release from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The levels were measured during routine testing and found to be higher than acceptable.
Causes of High E. coli Levels
The Arkansas Department of Health website lists three major reasons that E. coli levels rise at the beaches: Canadian Geese, Wild Hogs, and humans and other animals. Canadian Geese graze at the swim beaches, eating the seed head of the grasses on the bank, and campers who feed the geese make the situation worse. Wild Hogs are also associated with raising the rate of E. coli, and humans and other animals can play a role, although this is not usually the primary cause.
The U.S. Army Corps keeps a website of the swim beach closures in the area. The beach will stay closed until the E. coli levels drop back down.
E. coli Dangers
The symptoms of E. coli can be severe, and the World Health Organization reports that E. coli kills tens of thousands of people every year. The Arkansas Department of Health suggests that anyone experiencing severe E. coli symptoms get medical attention immediately. These symptoms include diarrhea and fever higher than 102 degrees, diarrhea for more than three days that is not improving, bloody diarrhea, and signs of dehydration.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
