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Health Advisory for Bacteria Levels

By Jennifer Harris

December 16, 2022

*North Fork of the St. Lucie River* 

TheFlorida Department of Health in St. Lucie County has issued a swimming advisory for the following river location:

• Veterans Park-North Fork of the St. Lucie River

The sample results found higher than normal levels of enteric bacteria. Potential health risks for those who ingest or come into contact with the water include upset stomach, diarrhea, eye irritation and skin rashes. Swimming in the waters is not recommended due to an increased risk of illness at this time.

Enteric bacteria inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals and their presence in recreational waters is an indication of fecal pollution. The bacteria may come from storm water runoff, pets, wildlife and human sewage.

The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County will continue the advisory until results are satisfactory. Samples were collected Monday December 12, 2022, and a confirmation sample on Wednesday December 14, 2022. Sampling is scheduled for Tuesday December 27, 2022, and the results will be available Thursday December 29, 2022.

For results of St. Lucie County River samples, visit the Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County website at http://stlucie.floridahealth.gov/ click on Environmental Health, then select North Fork Bacteria Testing, then select North Fork-St. Lucie River Sample Results.

For more information, please contact environmental health division at 772-873-4931.

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