BLACK RIVER FALLS, Wisconsin (WXOW) - The Jackson County Health Department says people should stay out of the water at Lake Wazee for the time being.
The department says 47 people have reported having flu-like symptoms after swimming in the lake on the Fourth of July. Officials expect that number to double as more people report their symptoms.
The Health Department and Jackson County Forestry and Parks are investigating the reason. Test results are pending and are expected back July 11 or 12. So far, officials have ruled out E. Coli and blue-green algae as the cause.
The agencies believe the sickness may be linked to swimming in Lake Wazee.
"It's a precautionary measure because, again, we initially thought that all of those persons when we first got the calls, that there was a food poisoning issue going on," said Christine Hovell, Public Health Manager for Jackson County. "But we've since realized through talking with people that the lake seems to be the common denominator."
Water advisories have been posted at the beach, as a precaution. The beach is closed, but people can swim at their own risk.
"We're hoping that this can be resolved quickly," said Hovell. "Once we have confirmatory testing, we'll figure out what needs to happen at the lake, if we need to keep it closed longer. We're hoping that we can maybe have it open by the weekend."
The Health Department says that to avoid getting sick while swimming, people should avoid ingesting water and wash their hands before eating or drinking.
