MANATEE COUNTY, FL — A countywide precautionary swim advisory has been issued for all public beaches in Manatee County because of the potential effects on water quality caused by Hurricane Idalia, the Florida Department of Health said in a news release.
Swimming isn’t recommended at any public beach until water testing is done. Water quality tests are expected to resume Tuesday.
Until test results are available, beachgoers should assume that water contact may pose an increased risk of disease or illness, especially for those more susceptible, health officials said.
Related Stories:
People should also avoid contact with floodwaters that come from an overflow of rivers, lakes or ocean. The waters may contain fecal matter from sewage systems and septic tanks, as well as agricultural and industrial waste, health officials said.
Floodwaters can also mask debris, downed power lines and other hazards.
The health department recommends the following precautions after hurricanes:
- Follow basic hygiene during this emergency period. Always wash hands with soap
- and water that has either been disinfected or boiled then cooled or with commercially
- bottled water before eating and after toilet use.
- Do not allow children to play in floodwater. They can be exposed to water contaminated
- with fecal matter.
- Do not allow children to play with toys that have been in floodwater until the toys have
- been disinfected. Use 1/4 cup of bleach in one gallon of water to disinfect toys and other
- items.
- If open cuts or sores are exposed to the floodwater, keep them as clean as
- possible by washing them with soap and disinfected or boiled-then-cooled water or
- commercially bottled water. Apply antibiotic cream to reduce the risk of infection. If a
- wound or sore develops redness, swelling or drainage, see a physician.
- After helping in cleanup activities and after handling items contaminated by floodwater or sewage, wash hands with soap and water.
The latest testing on marine (saltwater) beaches will be updated on the DOH’s website.
Source: patch.com