May 19, 2005

A series of mysterious illnesses in Noble, Okla., had some people worried Wednesday about the city's water supply, but city officials are trying to alleviate their fears.

About a dozen people in the Cleveland County community have been diagnosed with shigella. Oklahoma State Department of Health officials are looking into whether two recent water main breaks contributed to the spread of the illness.

Officials temporarily shut off water in the town as a precautionary measure. Some community members said they fear the town's water is making people sick, but City Manager Bob Wade believes the water is safe.

Wade said city crews have flushed out water lines and have added chlorine to the water to fight bacteria growth.

Common symptoms of shigella include diarrhea, stomach cramps, chills, headache, fever and dehydration. The best way to prevent the disease is frequently washing hands in addition to cleaning toys, restrooms and kitchens often.

Wade said the city's water supply is tested monthly. He offered to send crews to test individual homes for anyone concerned about their water.

Source: channeloklahoma.com   May 19, 2005