Personal Injury Law

Lake Powhatan closed due to Cryptosporidium

By Bill Marler

Health officials closed Lake Powhatan to swimming and fishing to prevent the spread of an illness caused by a microscopic parasite.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended the move after three cases of cryptosporidiosis and a suspected fourth were reported to the Buncombe County Health Department.

Each of the victims reported swimming in the lake this month. All are recovering, but one had to be hospitalized, said Sue Ellen Morrison, disease control manager with the department.

The U.S. Forest Service, which owns the popular lake and campground off Wesley Branch Road just southwest of Asheville, agreed to prohibit swimming and fishing there until at least Sept. 12, putting the water off limits for the upcoming Labor Day weekend.

Full post as published by Cryptosporidium Blog on August 30, 2010 (boomark / email).