A bacteria advisory for West Branch State Park was lifted Tuesday after being in effect for four days due to high levels of E. Coli.

The lake had been under a bacteria contamination advisory since Friday.

ODNR is constantly testing lakes around the state for high levels of bacteria and in this case West Branch had  high levels of E. coli through Monday. 

The alert was eventually lifted on Tuesday, June 21. 

Swimming in the lake could cause an infection if you have an open wound on your body or if you get any water in your mouth.

"You can have diarrhea or sometimes If it's really bad you can have bloody diarrhea. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration and that in itself can lead to other complications so it can be very severe," said Dr. Benjamin Brocker, Mercy Health.

Symptoms of an infection from the contaminated water can also include nausea, vomiting and fever.
Small children, the elderly and those with underlying health conditions are particularly at risk.
So when swimming in any lake, you should take precautions.

"Put on swim glasses, put on your ear plugs and try not to swallow the water. Make sure you use the bathroom before and after you get into the water. Shower yourself thoroughly so you really minimize the risk of getting this infection," said Dr. Munir Shah, Trumbull Regional Medical Center.

You can also risk E. coli infections in pools that do not have appropriate chlorine levels.
According to the ODNR it is somewhat common for small lakes to have high bacteria levels for a few days each year.