The Region - News from Aug. 27, 1986

The Orange County Health Department has banned swimming in Lake Mission Viejo, which in recent years has corroded boat hulls and inflicted a rash known as swimmer’s itch, after more than a dozen people, mostly children, became violently ill after taking a dip. “We closed the lake for (sports involving contact with the water) . . . and have been conducting tests to try to find out what the problem is,” said Steve Wong, the Health Department’s deputy director for environmental health. He said that at least 13 people complained of vomiting, diarrhea and severe cramps and that his office is trying to determine the cause. Jeff Miklaus, president of the Lake Mission Viejo Assn., said he hopes the 125-acre, man-made lake will be reopened this week.