Here's what you need to know about E. coli while swimming in Indiana
Some forms of the fecal bacteria can pose a health risk to people, so precautions may be needed as you pack up the towels and swimsuits for an afternoon in the sun and water.
There are a few ways E. coli finds its way into our water, and state agencies remind everyone to keep an eye out for any health advisories at beaches where regular testing is performed. Here are a few reminders before heading out for a beach day.
E. coli, or Escherichia coli, is a coliform bacteria living in many places including human and animal intestines. There are many types of E. coli, but a few strains of the bacteria, such as E. coli 0157:H7, can cause people to have severe stomach cramping, bloody diarrhea and vomiting, according to the Mayo Clinic.
E. coli is a fecal coliform that health departments can test for in Indiana waters. The bacteria ends up in our waters from the gastrointestinal tracts of people and warm-blooded animals.
The bacteria can get into water three ways, according to the Waterkeeper Alliance.
There are many forms of E. coli, and only a handful of them will make you sick if you swallow the bacteria.
Young children under 5 years old, adults above 65 and people with weakened immune systems can be more susceptible to E. coli infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
While less severe symptoms may include a day or two of diarrhea, more severe strains of Shinga-carrying E. coli can cause a serious health risk called hemolytic uremic syndrome. This can lead to kidney failure, permanent health problems and even death, according to the CDC.
Some E. coli infections can cause urinary tract infections and other gastrointestinal issues, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The clinic also says E. coli cases can lead to prostate, bloodstream or gallbladder infections and, in rare cases, pneumonia and meningitis.
Symptoms can take up to 10 days to appear after being exposed to E. coli, but some bacteria strains will make you sick within hours.
High counts of E. coli found where Hoosiers might want to swim means that there is likely feces contamination in the river, stream or lake, according to the Clean Lakes Alliance.
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management did not make an expert available for this article, but sent a document that recommends Hoosiers check for regularly monitored beaches that have posted advisories as one way to reduce E. coli exposure. If a waterbody or beach is not regularly monitored, the department recommends finding a swimming location with good water circulation.
Hoosiers should also shower after coming into contact with surface water, the department advises.
IndyStar's environmental reporting project is made possible through the generous support of the nonprofit Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.
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