PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The number of illnesses associated with swimming at Spring Lake Beach in Burrillville on July 4 has grown to 85, with 10 of those hospitalized, the Rhode Island Department of Health reported in a news release Monday.
The health department is continuing its investigation of a diarrheal illness that apparently began at the recreation facility. Cases began to be reported late Saturday night from people who swam there Thursday, About 80 percent of those who are sick are younger than 18, the health department said.
Because of the reports, the health department closed the beach and collected water samples on Sunday. Those results, available Monday, showed no evidence of fecal contamination in the swim area. More water samples were collected Mondaym and the beach will remain closed pending the results of that testing, Also, results of testing for specific bacteria is pending.
Before Sunday, routine testing of the water occurred on July 1. Those samples also showed no evidence of contamination.
The health department is waiting for lab results of stool samples obtained from ill patients to identify what exactly is making people sick. Those results are expected as early as Tuesday afternoon.
Anyone who recently swam at Spring Lake and is experiencing diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, or vomiting should see a doctor.