FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla.— The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County (DOH-Okaloosa) has issued a health advisory from Chula Vista Bayou and Garnier Bayou to the Shalimar Bridge due to an ongoing wastewater release. Drinking water is not affected by this advisory.

The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County is working closely with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to address this issue.

Waters contaminated with wastewater presents several health hazards to humans and may contain untreated human sewage with microbes that could cause gastro-intestinal and other diseases. Anyone who comes into contact with the affected waterway should wash thoroughly, especially before eating or drinking. Children and older adults, as well as people with weakened immune systems, are particularly vulnerable to disease so every precaution should be taken if in contact with the affected waters

For more information about the potential health effects of wastewater overflow, residents and visitors are encouraged to contact DOH-Okaloosa at (850) 833-9247 or visit www.HealthyOkaloosa.com.