Panama City, Fla. –An advisory for Massalina Bayou in Panama City is rescinded. The advisory was issued February 3 following a release of 47,056 gallons of raw sewage due to a mechanical failure. The raw sewage did enter Massalina Bayou.

Sewage contamination of water can expose swimmers to intestinal viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Swimming in the water may cause symptoms like food poisoning with vomiting and diarrhea. Infection is possible in open cuts and wounds that come in contact with the water.

The Florida Department of Health in Bay County (DOH-Bay) is rescinding the advisory for Massalina Bayou. DOH-Bay advises persons with open cuts or wounds to avoid entering bodies of water to prevent infection. 

For more information, contact the DOH-Bay’s Environmental Health at 850-481-4806 or visit Bay.FloridaHealth.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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