KPLC 7 News, Lake Charles, Louisiana |Cameron beaches usually under advisory

Cameron beaches usually under advisory

Reported by Associated Press

The state Department of Health and Hospitals says beaches in Cameron Parish were under health advisories more often than not during the six-month monitoring period that ended October 31st.

Public health workers conduct weekly tests at 13 coastal beaches during the summer and post warnings when sampling finds unhealthy levels of a bacteria that serves as an indicator of sewage.

The eight beaches in Cameron Parish, including Holly Beach, all remained under advisories against swimming this year for more than half of the summer.

Advisories were in effect at Rutherford Beach for all but two weeks from May to October.

Long Beach went only four weeks without an advisory this summer, and Little Florida and Gulf Breeze beaches went only five weeks out of the six months without an advisory.

By comparison, only three health advisories were issued this summer for the seven monitored beach areas on Grand Isle, and the popular beach at Cypremort State Park had three weekly advisories for the summer.

Boating, fishing and land-based activities are still considered safe.

Illnesses associated with sewage pollution range from minor diarrhea, sore throat and digestive problems to hepatitis.