The Oregon Health Authority issued a public health advisory September 2 for Oceanside Beach in Tillamook County due to unsafe levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters. People should avoid direct contact with the water in the area until the advisory is lifted.
Unsafe bacteria levels can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin rashes, and upper respiratory infections. Children, elderly people, and those with compromised immune systems face elevated risk. Visitors should avoid wading in nearby creeks, pools of water on the beach, discolored water, and water runoff flowing into the ocean, as bacteria levels tend to be higher in these sources.
Unsafe bacteria can originate from stormwater runoff, sewer overflows, failing septic systems, and animal waste from livestock, pets, and wildlife. The health authority recommends avoiding swimming in the ocean within 48 hours after rainfall.
Ocean waters will be retested after this advisory was issued. Once bacteria levels reach safe levels, the Oregon Health Authority will notify the public that the advisory is lifted.