PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY – UPDATE
“No Swimming” Advisories Lifted

June 29, 2004
Published on Galveston.com website 07/01-02/04
Published Associated Press - 06/29/04
Published in Port Arthur News - 06/29/04

La Marque - The “No Swimming” advisories issued by the Galveston County Health District for three area beaches have been lifted. Samples of beach water taken Monday indicated normal/safe levels of bacteria at all locations tested.

Since the advisory was issued on June 25th the Health District has responded to numerous citizen and media inquiries, from both local residents and those planning trips to the county, to clarify apparent misinformation. The Health District website (www.gchd.org) emphasizes the following key points in response to multiple questions:

• There were never any beach closures as a result of the advisory
• There were never any reports or confirmed illnesses associated the advisory
• There were NO cases of Hepatitis A associated with the advisory
• The most likely reason for the increased bacterial count was due to the recent heavy rains and runoff of fecal material into area waterways

“The Galveston County Health District will continue to monitor area waters to insure the publics’ recreational safety,” says Kurt Koopmann, Public Information Officer for the Galveston County Health District. “Galveston County is blessed with an abundance of beautiful beaches and we encourage the public to enjoy them as often as possible.”

For More Information Contact:
Kurt Koopmann
Public Information Officer
Galveston County Health District
(409) 938-2211
kkoopman@gchd.org