E. Coli Contamination Under Investigation

Tue., Aug. 29, 2000

Authorities were busy Monday investigating possible E. coli contamination in two Washington state locations.

In Bellingham, the Whatcom County Health Department was investigating nine cases of the bacterial infection. The three adults and six children all had attended the Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden.

St. Joseph Hospital spokeswoman Judy Smith said all nine were hospitalized in satisfactory condition.

Near Vancouver, state officials closed the popular Dougan Falls campground after workers discovered E. coli bacteria during a routine test of drinking water.

No illness has been reported.

Steve Riepe, public use manager for the state Department of Natural Resources in Castle Rock, said the campground likely would be closed for the rest of the summer. It usually stays open until the weekend after Labor Day.

Riepe said the bacteria were found in water from one of three spigots in the campground during a routine monthly test.

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