JACKSON, Wyo. — The Teton County Health Department (TCHD) announced Friday that caution signs have been posted near Hunt Bridge on Fish Creek and near Rafter J Ranch on Flat Creek after high levels of Escherichia coli bacteria (E. coli) was detected in each waterway.
Waters samples collected from both creeks on May 27 returned E. coli contamination levels that exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s maximum for recreational water use, according to the announcement. TCHD collaborated with the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality and the Teton Conservation District in this process.
“The Teton County Health Department recommends that people avoid swimming or floating in these waterways until contamination levels decrease and the signs are removed,” TCHD stated in an email accompanying the announcement of the signage.
This is not the first time these waterways have sported E. coli warning signs. Past studies have suggested that fecal matter from livestock and wildlife contribute to the contamination, along with human sewage runoff.
While many strains of E. coli are not harmful, some transmitted via food or water can cause illness when swallowed. The Centers for Disease Control notes that E. coli can cause diarrhea, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, sepsis and other illnesses.
Avoid swimming, float-tubing or fully submerging the body in water where the bacteria is present. To minimize pathogen-related illness, avoid swallowing the water, rinse off with clean water after swimming, dry ears thoroughly with a towel after swimming and wash hands with soap and clean water before preparing or eating food.
“All non-chlorinated waterbodies present some level of risk of pathogen-related illness, even in areas without posted signs,” TCHD’s announcement reads. “E. coli bacteria are found in the environment, foods, and intestines of animals and people. While most strains are harmless, some can cause illness if swallowed. The presence of E. coli can also signal the presence of other harmful bacteria or other germs in the water.”
See the Centers for Disease Control’s information about preventing swimming-related illnesses here.
