Fecal bacteria health advisory issued for Nye Beach

The Oregon Health Authority issued a health advisory for Nye Beach in Lincoln County due to unsafe levels of fecal bacteria in the water on Sept. 10.

Exposure to unsafe levels of fecal bacteria can come from sources such as stormwater runoff, sewer overflows, failing septic systems and animal waste.

“Visitors should avoid wading in nearby creeks, pools of water on the beach, or in discolored water, and stay clear of water runoff flowing into the ocean,” the advisory said.

Regardless of a health advisory, visitors should avoid swimming in the ocean within 48 hours of a rainstorm.

Those with compromised immune systems, children and elders should use extra caution, as they are more vulnerable to illness from waterborne bacteria.

Fecal bacteria can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin ras