Dear Neighbor,
Glenwoood's 60th running of Waterama is this week and the full list of events is scheduled to take place as planned.
Concern over primary amoebic meningoencephalitis has led to a decrease in lake traffic recently. Swimming beaches, resorts, and even retail stores have felt the impact of fewer people using their facilities. I had a visit with several staff members from the Minnesota Dept. of Health last week, and they emphasized that swimming in Lake Minnewaska poses no greater risk than at other lakes in the state.
“This is an extremely rare occurrence,” said Tricia Robinson of MDH. “Even though millions of people go swimming, only 35 cases have been reported in the entire United States in the past 10 years. There have been two other cases in Minnesota, with all the others occurring in more southern locations.”
The amoeba that causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis is more likely to be found in the warmer waters of shallow lakes. It can also settle and mix with sediment at the bottom.
“Our message about this disease is the same all over the state,” Robinson said. “There is a slight risk, and to minimize that risk, you can do three things. Keep your head out of the water, wear some kind of nose plugs or clips, and don’t stir up the sediment at the bottom of the lake.”
I hope you are able to get out with friends and family to enjoy this long-running community celebration.
Sincerely,
Paul