Tests find fecal bacteria in ocean water on Oregon Coast

UPDATE: On Friday, June 1, 2012, the Oregon Health Authority announced that tests showed levels of fecal bacteria had subsided. The agency lifted the health advisory for ocean water at Cannon Beach.

CANNON BEACH, Ore. - Avoid contact with ocean water at Cannon Beach on the Oregon Coast until further notice, the Oregon Health Authority said Thursday.

Water samples found higher-than-normal levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters at the mouth of Ecola Creek, the state agency said, which can cause gastroenteritis, skin rashes and other illnesses.
"Direct contact with the water should be avoided until the advisories are lifted, especially for children and the elderly who may be more vulnerable to waterborne bacteria," the health authority said in an advisory.

The agency also cautioned that visitors should avoid wading in creeks that flow into the ocean.

"Even if there is no advisory in effect, officials recommend avoiding swimming in the ocean for 48 hours after a rainstorm," the agency said.