The E. coli levels of >2,419.6 MPN of CFUs per 100 mL of water sample at Site FW 35 Shenandoah River, Morgan’s Ford bridge, along the bank of the public boat launch on June 22,
2022 are of concern. When I was collecting the water sample at this site yesterday there were people of all ages, toddlers to adults, enjoying a summers day in the River.
Finding E. coli bacteria in the water indicates recent fecal contamination and possible presence of other disease-causing microorganisms or pathogens. As the level of E. coli increases, potential health risk from exposure to pathogenic organisms also increases. Possible health effects:
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- Gastrointestinal illnesses
- Urinary tract infections
- Respiratory infections
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- Exposure to open wounds can cause wound infection
- In rare causes, type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome
- https://fosr.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/FOSR-2022-Summer-Quantitative-E.-coli-Concentration-Results-through-06.22.2022.pdf