GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WBIR) – If you visited a specific Gatlinburg attraction, you may want to keep an eye out for symptoms of E. coli.
According to the Tennessee Department of Health, more than 500 cases of gastrointestinal illness were reported at CLIMB Works Zipline Canopy Tour in Gatlinburg since mid-June of 2018.
According to WBIR, tests performed by the Tennessee Department of Health thus far indicate contamination of E. coli and total coliforms were found in the well water believed to be linked to hundreds of cases of gastrointestinal illness reported at a Gatlinburg outdoor attraction this week.
The department said visitors from multiple states who visited the facility reported diarrhea and vomiting. If you visited this park and have any of these symptoms, visit a doctor immediately.
The state said while the investigation is ongoing, routine testing done on the well water were indicative of contamination for E. coli and it plans to do more testing on environmental sampling to support the investigation.
The department said CLIMB Works has been fully cooperating to address the issue.
Right now, CLIMB Works believes people might have gotten sick after drinking water at the facility and said the department was trying to pinpoint if there was water contamination or a contagious stomach bug going around.
The owner of the facility, Brian, said he was surprised to hear more than 500 cases had been reported —saying he knew about only 100 or so cases.
