Over 60 People Ill From Suspected Norovirus Linked To MN Lake

EAGAN, MN — More than 60 people have reported falling ill after swimming in Schulze Lake at Dakota County's Lebanon Hills Regional Park in the three days preceding Monday, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.

Officials closed Schulze Beach over the weekend due to fears of a viral outbreak, shuttering water activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding, and halting fishing and equipment rental at the park until at least June 8.

Health officials are still determining what may be causing the illnesses, but the symptoms and incubation period are consistent with norovirus, the department said.

"These types of germs can spread quickly and widely if people who are or have recently been ill swim in the same water with others," Trisha Robinson, waterborne disease supervisor, said in a news release shared by the department. "It’s critical that people stay out of any water until at least 72 hours after symptoms go away so we can stop the spread of the virus."

Symptoms of norovirus typically include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach cramps that begin 12 to 48 hours after ingestion of the virus.

Officials are asking people to stay home and not visit other beaches if they are experiencing illness that involves vomiting or diarrhea. People who are ill and concerned about their health should consult their doctor.

If you have been sick after swimming at Schulze Lake, you can contact the Foodborne and Waterborne Illness Hotline at 651-201-5655 or email health.foodill@state.mn.us.

More information about waterborne illness prevention can be found on the Waterborne Illness page on the MDH website.