News

Minnesota lake closed for season after boy's death

Photo: Liu, Photos.com

Aug 15, 2012 at 6:51 am

STILLWATER, MN (AP) - Stillwater officials will keep Lily Lake closed for the rest of the season after tests confirmed a rare amoeba infection killed a 9-year-old boy earlier this month.

Tests by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have confirmed that Jack Ariola Erenberg contracted a rare form of meningitis, apparently while swimming in the lake.

Two years ago, one other Minnesota child died from the disease _ also after swimming in Lily Lake.

Stillwater City Administrator Larry Hansen tells Minnesota Public Radio News (http://bit.ly/NiD4UW) that officials decided to close the lake to swimming as a precaution.

Hansen says the lake remains open for boating and fishing.

The city will meet with Washington County and state health officials after Labor Day to discuss plans for next swimming season.