E. coli bacteria found in 2 Ogden-area campgrounds

LIBERTY — Weber-Morgan Health officials have found coliform and E. coli bacteria in the water source for two northern Utah camps.

Tests were performed at the Ben Lomond and Shawnee campgrounds after several members of a camping group at Camp Shawnee became sick, Weber-Morgan Health spokesperson Lori Buttars said.

"We didn't know if we'd had a bad potato salad or the water," Buttars said, "so we looked at all different things and it did come up that we had some bacteria in the water."

Buttars said that so far there have been no reports of ill individuals from the Ben Lomond campground, but tests of the water have come back positive. People who have stayed at either camp, whether showing symptoms or not, are encouraged to be cautious and wash their hands before handling food or after using the bathroom.

"People who are carrying the bacteria with them can shed it and spread it for two weeks after the symptoms have subsided," Buttars said.

Campers are urged to bring their own supply of water for drinking, cooking, cleaning and personal hygiene. According to Weber-Morgan Health, E. coli is a type of bacteria that lives in the intestines of humans. Some strains can cause severe gastrointestinal illnesses, such as cramping, vomiting and diarrhea.

Health officials will continue treating and testing the water until the bacteria is gone, Buttars said.

E-mail: benwood@desnews.com.