Tolovana State Park Health Advisory dated May 29 – High bacteria levels prompt OHA to recommend avoiding water contact

PORTLAND, Oregon – The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issues a public health alert Today due to unsafe levels of fecal bacteria in the seawater at Tolovana State Park in Clatsop County. People should avoid direct contact with the water in this area until the warning is lifted.

Inadequate amounts of fecal bacteria can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, rashes, upper respiratory infections, and other illnesses. Children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems should be especially careful because they are more susceptible to illness from waterborne bacteria.

Visitors should avoid wading in nearby streams, puddles on the beach, discolored water, and stay away from water flowing into the ocean. These water sources tend to have higher levels of fecal bacteria.

Inadequate concentrations of fecal bacteria in seawater can occur both coastal and inland. These include:

• Drainage of rainwater.
• Sewers are overflowing.
• Failing septic tanks.
• Animal waste from livestock, pets and wild animals.

Even if there is no warning, avoid swimming in the ocean within 48 hours of a rainstorm.

After an alert is issued, the oceans will be retested. Once bacteria levels reach safe levels, OHA will notify the public that the alert has been lifted.

While this warning is in effect at Tolovana State Park, state authorities continue to recommend other recreational activities (flying kites, picnicking, playing on the beach, walking, etc.) at this beach as they do not pose a health risk even during the warning.

For the most current information on warnings, visit the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program website at http://www.healthoregon.org/beach or call 971-673-0482 or 877-290-6767 (toll free).