Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

Advisory Against Total Body Contact In The Flint River

          The Genesee County Health Department is advising people to avoid contact with the water of the Flint River due to a rupture of a sewer line in the area of Third Avenue and Mott Park Golf Course which caused sewage to be diverted into the river.  The sewer line rupture occurred on Thursday, June 10, 1999.

            The Genesee County Health Department has been, and will continue to, monitor bacteria levels in the Flint River.  While the bacteria levels remain elevated, contact with the water should be avoided to prevent exposure to  organisms that can cause disease.  Disease symptoms may include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and possibly jaundice, and associated headaches and fatigue.  This health advisory will be cancelled through news release when background bacteria levels return to normal.

          Health Department staff have interviewed approximately 100 patrons of the restaurant and have obtained stool samples from several of the cases to determine the cause of the outbreak.

          Additional information may be released when the investigation is complete. The Health Department reminds all persons engaged in food preparation, both at home and in a commercial setting, to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet, wiping their nose or mouth, and before preparing food.  Hands should be washed when changing tasks during food preparation.  Raw foods and produce should be thoroughly washed before preparation.