August 8th Morning News Update

The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe has issued a warning for swimming due to elevated bacteria levels in lakes. The water resources program has detected dangerous levels of E coli bacteria at Bena Beach. E coli and fecal coliform bacteria are organisms that are naturally present in the environment and commonly found in the intestinal tract of humans and other warm blooded animals. Common sources of E Coli include septic/sewage waste and animal/wildlife feces/ E coli can get into the surface waters when rainfall causes runoff to wash into the surface water or when large numbers of wildlife concentrate near the shore or in the water. Common symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps and fever. If you experience any of these after swimming please contact your local health department. Some precautions to stay safe: look for signs that indicate dangerous swimming conditions. Avoid swallowing water, avoid swimming if you have any cuts or open wounds. Avoid swimming if you have recently had any GI related illnesses and avoid swimming if you see large numbers of wildlife or birds in the area. Avoid swimming after heavy rains and shower and wash hands before and after swimming. For more information please visit Minnesota Department of Health.

Tony Schmid Rapids Radio News Director