NEWPORT – The Oregon Health Authority issued a health advisory Tuesday for unsafe levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters at the popular Nye Beach in Newport. The agency said people should avoid direct contact with the water in that area until the advisory is lifted.

The OHA said people should avoid wading in nearby creeks, pools of water on the beach, or in discolored water, and stay clear of water runoff flowing into the ocean. Levels of fecal bacteria tend to be higher in these types of water sources, the agency warned.

Unsafe levels of fecal bacteria in the waters can come from stormwater runoff, sewer overflows, failing septic systems, and waste from pets and wildlife.

Unsafe levels of fecal bacteria can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections and other illnesses.

While this advisory is in effect at Nye Beach, health officials said other types of recreational activities such as playing or walking on the beach pose no health risk.

For the most recent information on advisories, go to the OHA’s beach monitoring program website at http://www.healthoregon.org/beach