UPDATE 11:10 a.m. Aug. 8
MISSAUKEE COUNTY — On Friday, Aug. 8, District Health Department No. 10 was notified that follow-up bacterial samples at the Missaukee County Park Beach in Missaukee County no longer contain elevated levels of E. coli, lifting the water contact advisory.
MISSAUKEE COUNTY — District Health Department #10 is urging residents and visitors to avoid water contact at the Missaukee County Park Beach after samples collected by Ferris State University showed elevated levels of E. coli bacteria.
The advisory was issued Thursday, Aug. 7, after test results indicated unsafe water conditions. Ferris State University will continue to collect samples until bacteria levels fall within safe limits.
Health officials warn that swimming or engaging in water activities during periods of high bacterial levels increases the risk of illness, particularly for children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Exposure to contaminated water can cause flu-like symptoms including diarrhea, abdominal cramping, fever, and dehydration. It may also lead to upper respiratory issues, ear, nose and throat infections, and skin infections if open wounds are not properly covered.
Water contact advisory signs have been posted at the beach and will remain in place until the advisory is lifted. DHD#10 will notify the public once E. coli levels return to acceptable levels.
For updated water quality results, visit the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s BeachGuard site at mienviro.michigan.gov/explorer/beach/map/results.
