Cowans Gap Reopens to Boating, Fishing
The lake at Cowans Gap State Park reopened for boating and fishing today after a two-week closure. The lake was closed to all water activities two weeks ago amid reports of E. coli illnesses associated with swimming in the lake.
Although the Cowans Gap E. coli outbreak has not definitively been linked to the lake, it was closed as a precautionary measure and still remains closed to swimming and wading.
So far, 14 cases of E. coli O157:H7 — 11 from Pennsylvania and three from Maryland — have been reported. All of them swam in the 42-acre lake between July 12 and July 31 and became ill a short time later.
Symptoms of an E. coli poisoning contamination include stomach cramping, vomiting and bloody diarrhea. In severe cases, including several of the children involved in this outbreak, a complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) can develop. In addition to E. coli kidney failure, HUS can cause severe seizures, strokes, heart failure, hypertension, pancreatitis and other life-threatening medical problems.
Water in Pennsylvania state park lakes and pools is tested twice weekly during the season. Since the closure, the park has added a third test each week and all results have been within the normal range, officials said. To pinpoint the source of the outbreak, officials are testing samples from the lake, drinking water, sewer systems, rest rooms and concession stands. Outside food vendors also are being tested. Health officials recommend that people who have visited the park and become ill contact their health care providers.
