E. Coli Linked to Swimming in Lake Minnetonka

ST. PAUL (AP) - State health officials have linked three cases of E.coli illness to one of the more popular lakes in the Twin Cities area.

The Minnesota Department of Health says three young adults got sick after swimming in the Big Island area of Lake Minnetonka July 4th. Health officials say one of the young people was hospitalized, but has since recovered.

Health department epidemiologist, Trisha Robinson, says it's the first waterborne outbreak of the summer and illustrates why it's important to take steps to prevent infection.

Health officials say swimmers shouldn't swallow lake water, should practice good hygiene and take children on bathroom breaks or change diapers often in a bathroom, not at the beach. Symptoms of E. coli can be similar to the flu.