Bacteria contaminates Orlando lake

Orlando officials warned people to avoid contact with a portion of a popular lake near downtown because of high levels of fecal coliform bacteria.

The Orlando Sentinel reports that the city issued an alert Tuesday, warning people to avoid contact with the western portion of Lake Ivanhoe in the College Park neighborhood.

Lake Ivanhoe's location and 122-acre size make it popular for fishing.

Fecal coliform bacteria comes from the intestines of animals and people. Some types may make people sick, and high levels may indicate that harmful pathogens are present.

City officials say they will continue testing the lake and announce when bacteria levels are no longer a concern.

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Information from: Orlando Sentinel, http://www.orlandosentinel.com/