EAGAN, MINNESOTA - In a press release by the Dakota County Government, they have announced that the Dakota County Parks have temporarily closed Schulze Lake as of this evening, Friday, June 2, 2023, due to a potential waterborne viral outbreak. This closure impacts both Schultz Beach and any other water activities which include canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. The closure has also closed any rentals at this location through at least June 8th.
The Minnesota Department of Health informed the Dakota County Government that the closure of the lake was simply out of an abundance of caution to prevent the risk of any ongoing exposure.
According to the Minnesota Department of Health, a potential waterborne outbreak is defined as an incident where at least two or more people have reported and experienced a similar illness following being in contact with the same source of drinking or recreational water. Additionally, an epidemiologic evaluation has to also suggest the source of the illness came from the same water. Person-to-person transmission or exposure to other sources cannot be ruled out. A waterborne illness outbreak investigation will likely be conducted, which will be made up of a coordinated team of epidemiologists and environmental health inspectors who will conduct, test, and analyze the data to determine if there was a connected source of water or activity that made the individuals sick.
This closure does not impact any of the other bodies of water around Lebanon Hills Regional Park or any of the other activities within the park.
If you or someone you know suspect a waterborne illness, call the Minnesota Department of Health at 651-201-5655 or email health.foodill@state.mn.us.
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