Oklahoma Health Department Investigates Swimming-Related Illnesses

The State Health Department is looking into several illnesses among people who recently went swimming in Green Country.

A few people were seen by doctors with symptoms that look like meningitis.

The Department of Health said this is not meningitis, but experts still caution the public to be safe about how and where you swim.

The Department of Health said tests for meningitis and the organism that causes it came back negative.

Now, the department wants to figure out what is causing people to get sick.

"Some of these organisms we know can cause illness if water gets up into your nose. And so certainly hold your nose or wear nose plugs when you're playing in the water," State Epidemiologist, Jolianne Stone said.

The CDC said illnesses can happen after a person is infected by an organism called Naegleria fowleri.

It enters the body through the nose while swimming in warm freshwater like lakes or rivers.

The organism travels to the brain through the nose and destroys brain tissue, which can be fatal.

"But we are still doing more tests to determine exactly what might be the potential cause of these illnesses," Stone said.

As summer approaches, the Department of Health recommends taking steps for any natural body of water.

The department said to avoid swimming after heavy rain and look out for storm drains, which could harbor polluted water.

You should also stay away from trash and other pollutants in the water that may look like oil on the surface.

The Department of Health said if you do have a fever, headache, nausea, or vomiting after swimming, you should see a doctor.