Health Officials in Gulf County Advise of Possible Fecal Bacterial Contamination in Port St. Joe Shoreline Area
Health Officials in Gulf County Advise of Possible Fecal Bacterial Contamination in Port St. Joe Shoreline Area
Contact:
Deanna Simmons, PIO
[email protected]
850-227-1276
Port St. Joe, Fla. — Due to a recent sewage spill with potential impact to the Port St. Joe shoreline, the Florida Department of Health in Gulf County (DOH-Gulf) is issuing a health alert and no swim advisory to residents and visitors near the following area:
Between the Eastern Shipbuilding location (old papermill site) and Butler Bay Road
432 Howard Road to Butler Bay Road in Port St. Joe, FL 3245
This would also include under the Highland View bridge, as indicated on the map.
Until further information is known regarding possible bacterial contamination of enterococci, a fecal-indicator bacteria, residents and visitors in the area are urged to take precautions when in contact with the impacted area in Gulf County. The advisory will continue until bacteria levels are below the accepted health level. DOH-Gulf will be working closely with the Department of Environmental Protection and the wastewater treatment facility.
Water contaminated with high levels of fecal bacteria can cause disease, infections, or rashes. Anyone who comes into contact with the water in this area should wash thoroughly, especially before eating or drinking. Sensitive individuals (e.g., children, the elderly, and those who are immunocompromised) may still be at risk even at low concentrations and should avoid any exposure.
This health alert and no swim advisory is not related to Vibrio vulnificus, a naturally occurring bacteria found in warm, brackish sea water.
For more information about the potential health effects of sewage overflow, please contact DOH-Gulf at 850-227-1276.
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DT Simmons, MPH
Public Information Officer
Florida Department of Health in Franklin & Gulf County
139 12th Street,
Apalachicola, Fl 32320
Office Phone: (850) 653-2111 ext. 6019 | Mobile Phone: (850) 247-9032
DOH Mission: To protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, & community efforts.