Advisory issued in wake of fecal bacteria at D River Beach in Lincoln County
Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is warning beachgoers to avoid contact with the water at D River Beach in Lincoln County, reporting unsafe levels of fecal bacteria in the water.
The advisory was issued Tuesday, and officials said visitors should refrain from walking in any nearby bodies of water, as well as avoiding runoff. Other recreational activities that don’t involve water such as biking or walking on the beach can be enjoyed as normal.
Officials said vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly and immunocompromised should take extra caution. Contact with fecal bacteria can cause stomach cramps, upper respiratory infections and other illnesses, according to OHA.
Heavy rains can also bring about elevated levels of bacteria, and visitors should avoid water contact for 48 hours following a rainstorm, according to officials.
Once bacteria levels reach a safe level, the public will be notified.
For updates, visitors can call 971-673-0482, 877-290-6767 or visit the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program at http://www.healthoregon.org/beach.
This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Bacteria advisory issued for D River Beach in Lincoln County beach
