The Oregon Health Authority issued a health advisory for Nye Beach in Lincoln County due to unsafe levels of fecal bacteria in the water on Sept. 10.
Exposure to unsafe levels of fecal bacteria can come from sources such as stormwater runoff, sewer overflows, failing septic systems and animal waste.
“Visitors should avoid wading in nearby creeks, pools of water on the beach, or in discolored water, and stay clear of water runoff flowing into the ocean,” the advisory said.
Regardless of a health advisory, visitors should avoid swimming in the ocean within 48 hours of a rainstorm.
Those with compromised immune systems, children and elders should use extra caution, as they are more vulnerable to illness from waterborne bacteria.
Fecal bacteria can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections and other illnesses.
State officials encourage other recreational activities such as flying kites, picnicking, playing on the beach and walking at Nye Beach.
Ocean waters will be retested and OHA will notify the public when the advisory is lifted.
For the most recent information on advisories, go to the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program website at www.healthoregon.org/beach or call 971-673-0482 or 877-290-6767 (toll-free).
Mariah Johnston is an outdoors journalism intern at the Statesman Journal. Reach her at mjohnston@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Fecal bacteria health advisory issued for Nye Beach on Oregon Coast
