The public should avoid the water at Sunset Bay Park Beach in Coos County.
Oregon health officials said today that tests indicated the water was tainted with fecal bacteria, which can cause gastroenteritis, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections and other illnesses. Children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable.
Everyone should avoid contact with the water, and as a general rule, should avoid swimming in the ocean within 48 hours after a rainstorm. Fecal bacteria can come from storm water runoff, sewer overflows, failing septic systems and animal waste.
For more information, check out the Department of Health Services site by clicking here or call 1-877-290-6767.
-- Lynne Terry; firstname.lastname@example.org