By KENNEDY GRIFFIN
(Greenfield, MA) After closing the Green River Swimming area for testing on Tuesday, multiple parasites have been confirmed in the water. Greenfield Health Department closed the swimming area for possible Cyclosporiasis bacteria testing when they were notified of a confirmed case in the area. Testing came back today and confirmed multiple parasites in the Green River swimming water. The swimming area is still closed, but the rest of the park remains open to the public.
Crytosporidiosis, caused by a parasite found in feces, can cause severe diarrhea if ingested through contaminated food or drinking water, including swallowing water while swimming. Giardiasis, caused by the Giardia parasite and passed through oral contact with infected feces; also caught through ingesting contaminated food or water.
According to the Greenfield Health Department, symptoms of both parasites include: explosive, watery, foul-smelling stool; greasy, floating stool; bloating; nausea; loss of appetite; belly pain; and fatigue. Time between infection and onset of symptoms is one to two weeks. The Health Department is asking that anyone who has these symptoms and swam in this body of water to contact their healthcare provider for diagnosis.