Chicago's Centennial Park Aquatic Center in the southwest suburb of Orland Park has been closed to the public after two recent cases of E. coli infection were linked to the facility, Orland Park Recreation announced on social media Saturday.
Orland Park Recreation said that water sampling had “consistently demonstrated normal recreational water guidelines,” but the confirmed cases of E. coli have prompted the aquatic center’s precautionary closure while officials continue to investigate and test the water.
“E. coli are bacteria found in the intestines of humans and warm-blooded animals and are often found in recreational waters," Orland Park Recreation said in its statement. "Most strains of E. coli are harmless, but some can cause mild to severe illness. Higher bacterial levels increase the risk of infection. Elevated counts can follow heavy rainfall, swimmer contamination or wildlife waste entering the water."
The announcement asked that anyone who has recently swam at Centennial Park Aquatic Center monitor their symptoms of E. coli infection and contact their healthcare provider if they become ill.
The announcement noted that common symptoms of E. coli include:\
- Diarrhea.
- Stomach cramping, pain or tenderness.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Fever.
Staff was continuing to monitor the water, but Orlando Park Recreation announced that the park would reopen Tuesday.
