November 9, 2022

Florida Department of Health in Brevard County Issues Precautionary Swim Advisory
-Avoid contact with contaminated water-

Contact:
Cynthia Leckey, EH Director
brevard.ehs@flhealth.gov
321-633-2100

Viera, FL — Due to the potential effects on water quality related to Tropical Storm Nicole, the Florida Department of Health in Brevard (DOH-Brevard) has issued a county wide precautionary swim advisory for all public beaches. 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.

Additionally, residents should avoid contact with floodwaters which come from an overflow of any water body from rivers, lakes, or oceans. Floodwater may contain fecal matter from sewage systems and septic tanks, in addition to agricultural and industrial waste. Floodwaters can also mask debris, downed power lines, and other hazards.

DOH recommends the following precautions after hurricanes.

• Follow basic hygiene during this emergency period. Always wash your hands with soap and water which has either been disinfected or boiled then cooled or with commercially bottled water before eating and after toilet use.
• Do not allow children to play in floodwater. They can be exposed to water contaminated with fecal matter.
• Do not allow children to play with toys that have been in floodwater until the toys have been disinfected. Use 1/4 cup of bleach in one gallon of water to disinfect toys and other items.
• If you have open cuts or sores exposed to the floodwater, 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 floodwater or sewage, wash hands with soap and water.

The latest testing on marine (saltwater) beaches will be updated on DOH’s website www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/beach-water-quality/index.html. For freshwater beaches, contact the Environmental Health Section of the DOH-Brevard where the freshwater beach is located for information about freshwater beaches. A list of county health department websites can be found here: http://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/county-health-departments/find-a-county-health-department/index.html

For further information, please contact your local county health department or visit www.floridahealth.gov or www.FloridaDisaster.org.

During severe weather and other emergencies, you can count on active alerts from the department's official social media accounts along with DOH-Brevard.

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.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.