Stephentown Roadside Spring Causes Beaver Fever

by Phillip M. Zema
On September 18, the Rensselaer County Department of Health reported that six cases of giardiasis (commonly known as Beaver Fever) were caused by contaminated water from the roadside spring on Route 22 in Stephentown. The spring is located roughly  mile north of the Route 22 and Route 43 intersection. Accordingly, County health officials reacted by posting warning signs and fencing off the spring. Currently, the Department of Health and the New York State Department of Transportation, which owns the property, are working together to resolve the problem. As of yet, officials have not determined when the water will be safe to drink. Until then, it is vehemently stressed that nobody uses the water.
The Department of Health did not test the water for Giardia lamblia, the microscopic parasite that causes Beaver Fever. They inferred its existence after interviewing the infected patients. Upon diagnosing the illness, doctors and other healthcare workers are legally required to contact the County health department. After conducting interviews, the health department discovered that each patient had one thing in common – they each recently drank water from the roadside spring. Chris Meyer in the Rensselaer County Executive’s Office said that the most logical conclusion was that the spring was contaminated with the harmful parasite, which causes mild or severe diarrhea and sometimes vomiting in its victims.
Giardiasis is spread by the feces or sewage of humans or animals (wild and domesticated alike) infected with the parasite. It can contaminate food and water, and thousands in Upstate New York contract the illness each year. People experience symptoms between 3 to 25 days after ingestion but usually before 10 days. In worst case scenarios, those affected can experience symptoms for several weeks or months. Lakes, reservoirs, springs and poorly maintained wells (or any surface water less than 50 feet) can be sources of Giardia lamblia, and members of both the State and County health departments advise that people refrain from drinking untreated water. For those interested in learning more about giardiasis, the New York State Department of Health’s website provides useful information.
Avoid Until Further Notice
Unfortunately, it is uncertain when the spring water will be safe to drink. While the water can be tested, the results of such tests are typically unreliable. Chris Meyer claims that the water can be drinkable one day but dangerous the next. A rain storm or other environmental factors could alter the results of any tests, largely reducing their accuracy. Consequently, it may be a substantial amount of time before the water is rendered safe for public use. Spring water, however, is always at risk for carrying Giardia lamblia, and so people are discouraged from drinking it. Regardless of your opinion of spring water, it is agreed by health officials that for now the spring water off of Route 22 is to be avoided.