More Than 30 People Fall Ill at Ellsworth’s Patten Pond Campground

The Maine CDC is investigating after an outbreak of a gastrointestinal illness at an Ellsworth campground.

Health officials say they're aware of individuals with symptoms in at least 32 campsites within the resort.

The Maine CDC is investigating the cause of the outbreak, but say the campground's owners found E.Coli bacteria in its drinking water system and, together with the Maine CDC's Drinking Water Program, put a boil water order in place on August 17. The order will be lifted once the chlorine levels are corrected and the water tests negative for E.Coli. People staying at the campground are being supplied with bottled water.

Those who own RVs are being educated about how to sanitize and flush their fresh-water systems correctly to ensure the water used is clean and safe.

The Maine CDC is working with the owner to contact anyone who stayed at the resort from August 8, 2021, to the present. A survey is being sent to people who recently stayed at the campground to help identify the illness, determine the most likely source of infection, and ensure that there is no further risk to residents and staff members.

Symptoms of gastrointestinal illness are nausea; fever; loose stools; and/or vomiting. Anyone who stayed at the campground during that time, who is experiencing these symptoms should contact their health care provider for evaluation and testing and notify the Maine CDC at 1-800-821-5821.