Lake Powhatan news

Release from the Buncombe County Department of Health

The Centers for Disease Control made the recommendation that Lake Powhatan, be temporarily closed to prevent the spread of cryptosporidium (crypto). Three cases of Crypto have been reported to the Buncombe County Department of Health and a fourth case is suspected. Each affected person reported being in the lake in August. The Forest Service is fully cooperating, and has closed Lake Powhatan to swimming and fishing until at least Sept. 12. Other facilities at the lake will remain open.

Crypto is a parasite that may be found in recreational water. Recreational water includes water in swimming pools, hot tubs, Jacuzzis, fountains, lakes, rivers, springs, ponds, or streams. The parasite is introduced into the water by sewage or feces from humans or animals and can then be spread when the water is accidentally swallowed.

Symptoms usually include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fever, and often last as long as one to two weeks. If you suspect that you have crypto, contact your health care provider or Buncombe County Department of Health at 250-5109.

For more information about crypto see http://www.cdc.gov/crypto.