PROVIDENCE, R.I. _ Spring Lake Beach in Burrillville was closed Sunday and state health officials were taking water samples for testing after a group of people who swam there on July 4th became ill.
Health Department officials have not yet identified the source of the illness, which inovled bloody diarrhea, but are testing water samples for bacteria, they said in a statement. The lake has no history of high bacteria counts, the Health Department said.
The facility's operators decided to close the beach Sunday morning at the recommendation of health officials, said Andrea Bagnalli Degos, a spokeswoman for the Department of Health.
Although none of those who became ill had eaten any food prepared at the Spring Lake facility, state food insepctors also inspected the site as a precautionary measure.
Water test results are expected early Monday afternoon. Anyone who recently swam at Spring Lake and is experiencing diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, or vomiting should see a doctor, the Health Department said.
For updates about swimming at Rhode Islanc beaches call (401)222-2751 or visit the department's interactive maps of area beaches at: www.health.ri.gov/beaches.
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