FORT WORTH — Burger's Lake, a popular summertime retreat in Tarrant County, has voluntarily closed while health officials investigate a potential link to a waterborne illness.

Tarrant County Public Health has confirmed eight cases of cryptosporidiosis, a disease caused by microscopic parasites. Dozens of other cases are being investigated as possibly related.

Symptoms of Crypto include stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever and weight loss.

"If you talk to individuals who are sick with cryptosporidiosis, it's not a good disease to have," said epidemiologist Dr. Anita Kurian. "You can have severe abdominal cramping and diarrhea for a week or two, and the residual affect such as loss of appetite, generalized weakness, can prolong even after this diarrhea subsides."

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Burger's Lake features slides, swings, diving boards and shade trees.

The Centers for Disease Control says the Crypto parasite lives in the intestine of infected humans and animals. Millions of germs can be released in a bowel movement.

A common link in the cases under investigation is Burger's Lake, a popular Fort Worth swimming hole featuring a one-acre, spring-fed lake with two sandy beaches, according to its Web site.

The new owner of the privately-owned facility voluntarily closed the lake Wednesday night after consulting with health officials.

All eight people with confirmed cases of Crypto swam at Burger's Lake recently. Health officials want to hear from anyone who got diarrhea after swimming at Burger's Lake since June 21.

Health authorities are keen to control the outbreak before new victims can infect more people at other pools.

The Crypto parasite is not killed by chlorine.

An outbreak in Milwaukee 15 years ago sickened about 400,000 people, and 4,000 of them had to be hospitalized.

Call Tarrant County Public Health at 817-321-4700 if you have any questions.