Kennecott released their findings that seven of the test sites were positive for worms. The results are not the least bit surprising. They said tests will be ongoing to determine if the roundworms are exclusive to people or pets. I don't know how they will determine that as roundworms are not completely exclusive. Some do have preferred hosts but can pass to another species. What is different is how the worm acts inside the host.

Kennecott can react in many ways, restricting people to specific spots around the lake, no pets allowed in the area, etc, etc. However, it will not eliminate a potential "worm catastrophe". The worms are naturally occurring in soil and have numerous transport opportunities from current locations to new. If pets are eliminated from areas or people restricted, nothing stops the worm from being transported on clothing/shoes, mice, fox, all types of small carnivores, on occasion birds and beetles. Our community is surrounded by open space that supports wildlife just waiting to enjoy our lake as much as we do.

So, what is the answer to protecting yourself and family? HYGIENE!!!!!! We all know the folks at the lake this summer weren't big proponents of hygiene. Wash your food and hands, especially when eating outdoors. If the kids are playing in the sand, wash hands before eating. If you are working in the garden, wear gloves and wash when done. There are things living in soil other than worms that will kill you, given the right host with a compromised immune system.

Watch the kids and don't let them eat sand or dirt (I know a near impossible task). It's not just the Oquirrh Lake beach where you find nasty stuff in the soil.