MONROE COUNTY, Mich. – The health department has issued a beach water advisory after high levels of E.coli were found at Sterling State Park in Monroe County.
The Monroe County Health Department issued a full-body beach water advisory on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024. The advisory is warning people not to immerse their heads under water, drink the water, or enter the water with scrapes and cuts.
Water samples collected on Tuesday, Aug. 20, came back with levels of E.coli that exceed the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s (EGLE) standard for water quality. More samples will be taken on Wednesday.
“Many factors can contribute to elevated levels of E. coli in surface water, including improperly functioning sewage systems, animal waste, field run-off from rain events, and wildlife,” says Chris Westover, Environmental Health Director of the Monroe County Health Department. “We want to remind everyone to follow water advisories to keep themselves and their families safe from any disease-causing organisms.”
The Monroe County Health Department will let the public know when the full-body contact advisory has been lifted.
Symptoms to watch out for
If you’ve been exposed to water with high levels of E.coli, you should watch out for diarrhea, abdominal cramping, fever, and dehydration. Other symptoms include upper respiratory illnesses, such as ear, nose, and throat infections. Skin infections are also possible if an open wound was no properly protected.
How to protect yourself
The Monroe County Health Department recommended the following prevention measures:
- Avoid bodily contact in areas where E. coli has been detected.
- Avoid allowing pets to drink or play in the lake water.
- Use caution if eating fish from impacted bodies of water.
- Do not water lawns or gardens with water from impacted bodies of water.
What to do if you’ve been exposed
If you or your pets have been exposed the health department recommends washing immediately with soap and warm water. If you or your pet feel ill, you should contact your doctor or veterinarian.