Horseshoe Lake closed due to norovirus risk; Kitsap Public Health District investigates

PORT ORCHARD — Multiple reports of potential norovirus illnesses prompted officials Wednesday to close the swimming beach at Horseshoe Lake in South Kitsap.

Horseshoe Lake during an earlier closure in 2014.

Kitsap Public Health District is investigating several cases in which people who swam at Horseshoe Lake Park over the weekend experienced gastrointestinal illness, according to a news release. Laboratory tests have not confirmed a specific virus or bacteria responsible for the illnesses, but symptoms were consistent with norovirus. The swimming beach was closed as a precaution. 

The health district is asking residents who visited Horseshoe Lake since July 28 and became ill with diarrhea, vomiting or stomach cramps to call 360-728-2205. Illnesses can also be reported at kitsappublichealth.org.

The district monitors swimming lakes for dangerous bacteria but routine water testing is not effective for identifying viruses. Samples taken at Horseshoe Lake this week showed safe levels of bacteria. Stool samples from affected people are typically used to confirm the presence of viruses. 

Norovirus is very contagious and can be spread through contact with water, contaminated surfaces and infected people. Health officials recommend people experiencing gastrointestinal illness to stay home for at least 48 hours after their symptoms subside and use preventive measures like hand washing to prevent the spread of the virus. Symptoms generally improve within a couple of days.

Those experiencing severe or persistent symptoms should contact their health care provider. Kitsap Public Health District Health Officer Dr. Susan Turner said it's also important for people with gastrointestinal illness to stay hydrated, "especially because its hot outside."

Horseshoe Lake has been closed for norovirus in the past. The lake was believed to be the source of a 2014 outbreak that sickened nearly 300 people

Turner said the district has seen fewer reports this summer than it did at the onset of the outbreak in 2014, meaning preventive measures may be more successful. 

"We really hope we've been able to contain the illnesses," she said.