Health Advisory Issued for Sunset Bay Beach Over Unsafe Bacteria Levels
Oregon health officials issued an advisory Sept. 30 for unsafe fecal bacteria levels at Sunset Bay State Park Beach in Coos County. Visitors should avoid water contact until the advisory is lifted. Activities such as walking and picnicking remain safe.
The Oregon Health Authority issued a public health advisory Wednesday, Sept. 30, after unsafe levels of fecal bacteria were found in ocean waters at Sunset Bay State Park Beach in Coos County.
Visitors should avoid direct contact with the water until the advisory is lifted. That includes wading in nearby creeks, standing pools on the beach, and discolored water. OHA also advises staying clear of runoff flowing into the ocean, where bacteria levels can be higher.
Exposure to contaminated water can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections, and other illnesses. Children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to illness from waterborne bacteria.
Fecal bacteria can reach ocean waters through stormwater runoff, sewer overflows, failing septic systems, and waste from livestock, pets, and wildlife. The release did not identify a specific source of the elevated bacteria at Sunset Bay.
Health officials recommend avoiding ocean swimming for 48 hours after a rainstorm, even when no advisory is in effect.
The advisory concerns water contact. Visitors can still walk along the beach, fly kites, picnic, and enjoy other activities that keep them out of the affected water, according to OHA.
Ocean waters will be tested again, and OHA will notify the public when bacteria levels are safe and the advisory is lifted.
For current advisory information, visit the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program website or call 971-673-0482 or toll-free at 877-290-6767.
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