FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN LEE COUNTY reISSUES PRECAUTIONARY SWIM ADVISORY

Contact:
Tammy Soliz, Public Information Officer
Lee-PIO@FLHealth.gov
239-308-5196

Lee County, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Lee County (DOH-Lee) is reissuing a county wide precautionary swim advisory for all public beaches. As a result of Hurricane Ian, debris remains in area beaches, including debris buried under shallow sand and not immediately visible. Additionally, water quality has been affected and at this time, swimming is not recommended.

Tests will be conducted, when possible, to determine the water quality at public beach locations. Until test results are available, you should assume that water contact may pose an increased risk of disease or illness, particularly for susceptible individuals.

DOH recommends the following precautions:

• Follow basic hygiene. Always wash your hands with soap and water before eating and after toilet use.
• If you have open cuts or sores exposed to sea water or brackish water, 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 sewage, wash hands with soap and water.

For the latest testing information on saltwater beaches, visit the Florida Department of Health’s Florida Healthy Beaches webpage.

For freshwater beaches in Lee County, contact Environmental Health at DOH-Lee at leeeh@FLhealth.gov.

About the Florida Department of Health

The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

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