E. coli is a bacteria that normally lives in human and animal intestines. Dangerous strains of E. coli can contaminate lakes and make swimming unsafe if sewage overflows into the water from rain or snowmelt. Signs posted by local officials warning not to swim should be heeded. E. coli infections may cause diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and other symptoms, and in rare cases can lead to serious blood or kidney problems requiring medical treatment. The bacteria primarily affects the urinary tract and kidneys. It is important to avoid swimming in closed bodies of water during an outbreak for safety.

1. By: Cassidy Dankert

2. The Answer is E. coli!

3. So what is E. coli? E. coli is a bacteria that normally lives in human and animal intestines. It’s full name is Escherichia coli. Only certain strands, or types, of E. coli are dangerous. One dangerous strand is called O157:H7.

4. What does that have to do with Pewaukee Lake? Dangerous E. coli strands can get into the water making it dangerous to swim in. This happens when rain or snow-melt overflows a sewer and gets the bacteria in the lake. This might also happen because of duck feces polluting the water.

5. How Can I Tell if Water is Infected with E. coli? The local water maintenance group is required to inform locals of dangerous water conditions. So if there is a sign on the beach that says “No Swimming” please don’t go swimming.

6. What if I Do Get an E. Coli Infection? If you have an E. coli infection you will experience some of these symptoms three to four days after being exposed to the bacteria Diarrhea, which may range from mild and watery to severe and bloody Abdominal cramping, pain or tenderness Nausea and vomiting, in some people You should see a doctor if your diarrhea is persistent, severe or bloody.

7. What Will a Doctor Do? A doctor can’t do much for a normal case of E. coli. The best thing for you to do is to rest and drink plenty of water. However in some people, E. coli infection causes serious problems with the blood and kidneys. If you do have a complication you may need blood transfusions or dialysis. Dialysis is a treatment that helps filter waste products from the blood when the kidneys aren't working right.

8. What Parts of My Body are Most Affected? E. coli causes complications in the urinary tract especially the kidneys. The kidneys job is to filter your blood and remove waste and regulate the fluid levels. If E. coli damages your kidneys you might need blood transfusions or dialysis which is where doctors filter your blood the same way your kidneys would.

9. Conclusion Now that you know this about E. coli what does it mean? I want you to understand that E. coli O157:H7 is a life threatening disease. So please, if you see the beach closed sign, don’t ignore it, for your own safety.

10. Bibliography &quot;CDC | E. coli | Questions & Answers: Sickness caused by E. coli.&quot; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Nov. 2011. <http://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/qa_ecoli_sickness.htm>. &quot;E coli bacteria - Drinking Water Contaminants, Facts/Removal Methods | APEC Water.&quot; Reverse Osmosis Systems - Premium APEC Drinking Water Filter Systems . N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Nov. 2011. <http://www.freedrinkingwater.com/water-contamination/ecoli-bacteria-removal-water.htm>. &quot;E. Coli Infection Causes, Symptoms and Treatment.&quot; Everyday Health . N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Oct. 2011. <www.everydayhealth.com/health-center/e-coli-infection.aspx >.

11. Bibliography 2 E. coli 0157:H7 Infection.&quot; New York State Department of Health . N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Nov. 2011. <http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/e_coli/fact_sheet.htm>. &quot;Jaws Shark Movie Amity Island Beach Closed Sign T-Shirt | eBay.&quot; eBay | Electronics, Cars, Clothing, Collectibles and More Online Shopping . N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Nov. 2011. <http://www.ebay.com/itm/Jaws-Shark-Movie-Amity-Island-Beach-Closed-Sign-T-Shirt-/350454615875>. Desidero, Julie. Phone interview. 9 Nov. 2011.