Camp Beech Cliff's Well Water Tests Positive for E. coli
Camp reports it is unaware of any related illness
MOUNT DESERT––On July 24, Camp Beech Cliff (CBC) sent out an email to the parents and guardians of campers stating that one of its two wells has tested positive for the presence of E. coli during an annual water test conducted by Maine’s Department of Community and Environmental Health’s drinking water program.
According to the letter, written by President and Executive Director Debra Deal, the camp is unaware of any campers or staff who have exhibited symptoms.
The Mayo Clinic writes, “Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria normally live in the intestines of healthy people and animals. Most types of E. coli are harmless or cause relatively brief diarrhea. But a few strains, such as E. coli O157:H7, can cause severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea and vomiting.”
The camp is also going to work with an outside company to assess all the camp’s systems and “ensure that water used by our camp and our campers will be safe.”
MDI Hospital Public Affairs Officer Mariah Cormier said on Wednesday that the hospital has not seen any E. coli cases recently.
Maine’s Division of Disease Surveillance says that, “E. coli are bacteria found in the environment, foods, and intestines of people and animals. Most strains of E. coli are harmless, while others can make you sick. One of the most common strains, Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), is often the cause of food-borne outbreaks. People of any age can become infected. However, very young children and older adults are more likely to develop severe illness.
“The time between ingesting STEC bacteria and developing symptoms is usually between 3-4 days. People can become sick by consuming contaminated food or water, consuming unpasteurized (raw) milk, or contact with feces of infected people. Hydration is important in treating E. coli. Antibiotics should not be used.”
The Bar Harbor Story has reached out to the state and has not had a response at press time.
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MDI Hospital tested my husband on July 4 and the culture came back positive E. coli. I had suspected our well water.