A health issue concerning a neighborhood in Defiance has led to an order from the Defiance County Health Department. Health officials from Defiance County and the City of Defiance are investigating a sewage and water leak at the North Towne Estates. This followed a report of a strong odor of sewage in a field behind the North Towne estates, and follow-up investigation by city and health department personnel. That testing has indicated the presence of E. Coli. When E. Coli is found in water, it’s a strong indicator of sewage or animal waste contamination. In either case, many types of disease-causing organisms are likely.
The Defiance County Health Department has issued the advisory for people to avoid the North Towne Estates Community. In addition, Diehl Park is closed, and should be avoided. Diseases acquired from contact with contaminated water can cause stomach illness, as well as skin, eye and other infections.
The most commonly reported symptoms from this type of contamination are stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and low-grade fever.
At this time, no one in the North Towne Estates has presented with these symptoms. Anyone experiencing these issues should contact their healthcare provider; and any further updates will be announced on the Defiance County Health Department website.