cowansgap.jpgAccording to the most recent updates from Pennsylvania news sources, the Pennsylvania Department of Health has received reports of at least 13 people infected with E. coli O157:H7 who swam in the lake at Cowans Gap State Park.

Out of those 13 individuals, Penn State Hershey Medical Center has reported that a total of 8 have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a potentially life-threatening complication of E. coli infection. Today, an article from Denise Bonura of the Waynesboro Record Herald indicated that 5 of the HUS cases are children that had been swimming at the lake at the end of July. Those children remain in the hospital for treatment of their HUS. More information about HUS can be found at http://www.about-hus.com/.

The current numbers include 6 people from Franklin County, 4 from Lancaster County, and 1 from Huntingdon County in Pennsylvania. In addition, there are 2 Maryland residents who got sick after visiting the park.

At the present time, the Pennsylvania Department of Health reports that no new cases of E. coli-related illnesses linked to the park or the lake have been reported since last week. However, the lake at Cowans Gap remains closed to swimming and recreational activities until further notice from the health department.