FORT WALTON BEACH − The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County has once again issued a health advisory for Cinco Bayou.
The first advisory came after tests conducted on Aug. 3 confirmed elevated bacteria levels in the water.
According to a press release from the department, more tests were conducted on Aug. 5. They also showed Cinco Bayou’s water quality “does not meet the recreational water quality criteria for Enterococcus bacteria recommended by the Florida Department of Health.”
Drinking water was not part of the advisories.
“DOH-Okaloosa advises against any water-related activities at this location due to an increased risk of illness in swimmers,” the release reads.
This advisory will continue until bacteria levels are below the accepted health level. The Department of Health will continue testing.
“Waters with elevated bacteria levels can pose significant health risks, potentially leading to gastrointestinal illness and other diseases,” department officials said. “Anyone who comes into contact with the affected waterway should wash thoroughly, especially before eating or drinking. Children and older adults, as well as people with weakened immune systems, are particularly vulnerable to disease so every precaution should be taken if in contact with the affected waters.”
Last month, Bay County had a similar issue. Health advisories were issued for two area beaches.
For more information in Okaloosa County, contact DOH Okaloosa at 850-689-7859 or Okaloosa.FloridaHealth.gov
Jim Ross contributed
This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: Health department once again issues health advisory for Cinco Bayou
Reporting by DeonTay Smith, Panama City News Herald / Northwest Florida Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By DeonTay Smith, Panama City News Herald | USA TODAY Network
