Area of Carteret County under swim advisory due to presence of bacteria
Officials with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality said samples taken from the area tested positive for a bacteria group that is found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals.
Due to that, they recommend to avoid swimming in the area. 'When we find that detectable limit of bacteria, there's also things in the water that can make you sick, like salmonella or E.Coli,' Environmental Program Supervisor with NCDEQ Erin Bryan-Millush said. 'The types of things that, from swimming in areas that are polluted with fecal indicator bacteria, would be a gastrointestenal illness or skin rash, those types of things.'
The NCDEQ expects to have results for whether or not the advisory can be lifted by Tuesday, June 3, 2025.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Yahoo
Survey reveals ‘poor' summer bathing water quality in parts of Windermere
A two-year study has provided the most detailed picture to date of water quality in Windermere and its catchment. The Big Windermere Survey, led by the Freshwater Biological Association (FBA) and Lancaster University, involved 350 citizen scientists who collected more than 1,000 water samples from 110 locations across 10 sampling events over two and a half years. Many of the locations had not previously been tested. The report analysed 15 water quality parameters, focusing on phosphorus, Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Intestinal Enterococci (IE) – key indicators of ecosystem health and suitability for recreation. READ MORE: Lake District resident renews calls for action to save 'world famous' view Results showed that concentrations of E. coli and IE were highest in summer months, when the lake is most used for bathing and watersports. During this period, bacterial levels in the northwest, northeast and southwest areas of Windermere were consistent with standards for 'poor' bathing water quality. In spring, autumn and winter, lower concentrations of bacteria were consistent with 'Excellent' or 'Good' bathing water quality across all areas. Phosphorus concentrations across the lake met the UK's 'moderate' status under legislation, which is higher than the threshold required for 'good' status. READ MORE: Historic Lake District town named in UK's top three locations to buy a holiday let Dr Ben Surridge, senior lecturer at Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University said: "The Big Windermere Survey is a unique collaboration between professional scientists and members of various communities with an interest in the water quality of Windermere and its catchment. "This collaboration has generated an unprecedented dataset which offers new insights into the spatial and temporal patterns of water quality in Windermere, built on exactly the same robust, scientific approaches used in water quality research. "We look forward to working with partners within the catchment to ensure that evidence generated by the Big Windermere Survey informs action that leads to real improvement in the water quality of this iconic lake." The study also highlighted localised hotspots for phosphorus or bacteria around Waterhead, Bowness Bay, Belle Isle, Millerground, Mitchell Wyke Bay, the south-western shore and near the River Leven outflow. Streams and rivers including Stock Ghyll, Black Beck, Mill Beck, Wilfin Beck and the River Rothay also showed elevated concentrations. Beyond the main lake, the survey gathered additional information on rivers and lakes across the wider Leven catchment. READ MORE: Lake District: Rescue crews scrambled to 'wrong Bowness' after call mix-up Simon Johnson, executive director of the Freshwater Biological Association, said: "We are incredibly grateful to the hundreds of volunteers who have given thousands of hours of their time to gather the scientific data in this report. The evidence is clear and must lead to decisive action to improve water quality. "We must all work together to transform the future of Windermere and deliver a cleaner, healthier and safer waterbody for all life to thrive. "Windermere is home to a number of rare and increasingly threatened freshwater species including Arctic charr. Without decisive action to improve water quality, this species and potentially many more will face a steady and devastating decline. "We hope these findings will not only advance scientific understanding of Windermere's water quality but also play a pivotal role in shaping future strategies to protect and enhance the health of the lake and its surrounding catchment." Subscribe for just £6 for 6 months in our Summer Flash Sale The data from the Big Windermere Survey is being actively shared with a range of organisations both locally and nationally, as part of ongoing conversations about the water quality of Windermere. The report released today, alongside all the underpinning data, is freely and openly available for anyone with an interest in Windermere to examine. The full report, link to the data and an overview of the Big Windermere Survey is available online at
USA Today
a day ago
- USA Today
What we know about Keely Farms Dairy in NSB, accused of selling raw milk, sickening 21
While the Florida Department of Health cited Keely Farms Dairy in New Smyrna Beach as the source of raw milk that sickened 21 people, supporters have taken to social media to comment on their own experience with the family business. Keely Farms also wrote on Facebook Aug. 7 that it hadn't heard from the Department of Health and had no idea it was even being investigated. "We were not contacted by the Department of Health prior to or regarding their statement this morning," the post said. "The Florida Department of Health has not informed Keely Farms of any investigation or administrative action. The Department of Health has not indicated to Keely Farms that it committed any wrongdoing, so its press release has blindsided us." The dairy's owners deny being notified of any safety issues by the state health department, and posted on Facebook Aug. 4 that "The ag inspector visited last month. We passed, as always." The farm did not respond to phone and email messages from The News-Journal. What is Keely Farms Dairy? Raw, or unpasteurized, milk consumption is nothing new, and is usually popular among those wanting less processed foods in their diet. But on Aug. 4, the Department of Health said nearly two dozen people, including six children, became sick from Campylobacter and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli after consuming unpasteurized milk produced by Keely Farms Dairy. The reported cases date back to January. Here's what we know about Keely Farms. Keely Farms Dairy is a small, family business located on about 100 acres on South Glencoe Road in New Smyrna Beach. It is owned and operated by Keely Exum and her husband; the couple has several young children. On its website, Keely Farms Dairy says it believes in "responsible, sustainable farming," and grows much of its own feed locally for its heritage-sized Jersey cows. Its raw milk is priced at $12 a gallon, while the farm also offers Greek yogurt, kefir and feta cheese. The dairy farm sells and delivers its products to Brevard, Lake, Volusia, and Seminole counties and most of the greater Orlando area; some southeast Florida stores carry Keely Farms products. What food safety practices does Keely Farms Dairy use? In Florida, selling raw milk for human consumption is illegal. However, raw milk can be sold legally as pet food or animal feed. Dairy farms selling raw milk must register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, according to the FDACS website. On the Keely Farms Dairy website, the owners state: "Our raw milk is milked and then processed in a clean environment with American-made, stainless-steel, grade-A quality equipment. We use in-line filters during milking to be sure no dirt gets into our milk. We chill the milk immediately after it leaves the cow. We test our cows frequently. We test at our dairy lab to assess milk quality." Keely Farms also raises questions about customers' own use of the raw milk produced at the farm, noting the following on Facebook: "Raw milk is sold in Florida 'not for human consumption.' It is clearly stated on our labels as required by law. Due to legal requirements, in spite of the quality of the equipment used for processing and cleanliness of the facility, this milk is sold only as pet or livestock food." Is raw milk safe? Florida dairy farm identified as source of raw milk E. coli outbreak. Why is the FDOH concerned with Keely Farms Dairy's practices? In its statement this week, the Department of Health said: 'Sanitation practices in this farm are of concern due to the number of cases," adding, 'The Florida Department of Health will continue working with Keely Farms Dairy to ensure that effective sanitation practices are implemented consistently across every batch.' The FDOH has not responded to The News-Journal's requests for comment. Customers speak out about Keely Farms Dairy on Facebook Hundreds of comments left on the Keely Farms Dairy Facebook page — many from customers — take a more skeptical response to the health department's findings. From Yeshua Logos: "Cleanest wonderful milk and all dairy products; we've visited the farm several times and have purchased multiple products. ... Lord Jesus bring truth to light expand this wonderful honest superb business." Brit Richards posted: "Question: Did Keely Farms Dairy know about about any of the cases of sickness? I'm wondering if the farm was made aware by any of the customers?" "We've been customers for 10 years, I believe now," wrote Matt-Abby Riba. "Wouldn't change a thing and refuse to purchase from commercial industry. So thankful for the Keelys! From Barry McCarty: "I love Keely Farms Dairy! I have been to the farm plenty of times, I have watched them milk they sanitize every cow before milking super clean, and I've been inside of their bulk tank room which is spotless. What you see on the outside is a farm and there's dirt, but everything on the inside is tested and shipped. I grew up on a farm and have been drinking raw milk my whole entire life. I think they're doing a great job!" Others, like Bridget Manard, were not as positive: "You shouldn't be selling raw milk anyway. Go pasteurize it. You may have done some real damage to someone." From Amanda Luciano: "I was buying off of your farm for many years until recently your milk started to get our family sick as well. Once we stopped purchasing from you and started getting off another farm the random 'food poisoning' symptoms stopped. I don't believe this farm is being targeted; I genuinely believe they may be having a hard time keeping up with their demand and slacking on their hygiene in result to keep up with orders." Posted by Starla Black: "If it was in fact your milk — I see too many people re-selling it. When that is done, quality control goes out the window. There is no way to guarantee it was kept cold or that it's fresh."
USA Today
a day ago
- USA Today
Woman sues Florida dairy farm claiming raw milk caused death of fetus
A central Florida woman is suing a dairy farm and grocery store for allegedly selling raw milk that hospitalized both her and her toddler and also led to the death of her unborn baby. Rachel Maddox of Seminole County said in the lawsuit filed Aug. 13 that she bought raw milk sourced from Keely Farms Dairy at the Wild Hare Natural Market in Longwood, Florida in early June. The lawsuit alleged that her toddler contracted disease-causing bacteria after consuming raw, unpasteurized milk and that she fell ill from her toddler while pregnant. The complaint states that Maddox purchased the raw milk for her husband after he expressed appreciation for it, as he had grown up in Eastern Europe drinking farm-fresh milk. After purchasing the raw milk, she inquired about the label, which 'said something to the effect 'for consumption by animals' and was told it was a technical requirement to sell 'farm milk.'' Maddox and her husband, who is not named in the complaint, fed the milk to their toddler, who on June 8 'began to experience diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, chills and resultant dehydration,' according to the complaint. The following day, the toddler was hospitalized and tested positive for both E. coli and Campylobacter. The Shiga toxin-producing E. coli and Campylobacter infections can cause diarrhea, vomiting and stomach cramps. In severe cases, they can cause kidney failure, which is of particular concern for children, according to the Florida Department of Health. Despite not drinking the raw milk herself, hospital testing later confirmed she also contracted Campylobacter while caring for her toddler, the lawsuit states. The lawsuit alleges that the raw milk producer and seller are liable because the product contained Campylobacter and E. coli and failed to give adequate warnings of the product's dangers. It also claims that Keely Farms Dairy and Wild Hare Natural Market were negligent in preparing, testing, labeling, and selling the product, while breaching the 'implied warranty of merchantability' of the raw milk. The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages and costs, as well as a jury trial, but does not specify an amount. Fetus died at 19 to 20 weeks, lawsuit states Maddox went to an Orlando hospital on June 13 after exhibiting symptoms, including diarrhea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, and chills that led to septic shock and severe dehydration, according to the suit. 'Because she was pregnant and dehydrated, she was hospitalized for two days prior to discharge,' the suit states. Maddox's fetus died on June 18, and she was readmitted to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with sepsis. The complaint said an autopsy placed the age of her fetus at between 19 and 20 weeks. She was discharged, but later readmitted to another hospital when 'her condition deteriorated,' the complaint said. The lawsuit added that her toddler also spent four days hospitalized, and bloody stools led to a 'fear of hemolytic uremic syndrome,' a serious disease typically caused by an E. coli infection that affects the kidneys and blood clotting system. The child underwent surgery for intussusception − a condition commonly found in children between the ages of 6 months and 2 years, where one intestine slides into the other, causing a blockage, the suit states. The child later also experienced severe abdominal pain and remained hospitalized for two more days, and has continued to be treated as of Aug. 13, the date of the lawsuit's filing. 21 cases of infections linked to Keely Farms Dairy in 2025 Maddox's lawsuit comes after the Florida Department of Health on Aug. 7 announced that it had been tracking 21 cases of infections linked to Keely Farms Dairy since Jan. 24. Six children under age 10 were among those infected by Campylobacter and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), the Florida health department said. Seven of the people infected by drinking the farm's raw milk were hospitalized, while 'severe complications' were found in at least two of the cases. However, neither Keely Farms Dairy nor Wild Hare Natural Market has responded to requests for comment on the lawsuit. The state's health department defines raw milk as animal milk that has not undergone pasteurization or heat treatment to eliminate bacteria. Keely Farms Dairy label: 'Not for human consumption' Keely Farms Dairy, along with some of its customers and supporters, has launched a social media campaign to defend its practices. The dairy stated it had not been informed of any investigation by the Florida health department before the announcement linking it to 21 illnesses in Northeast and Central Florida. In the Facebook post, the New Smyrna Beach farm notes that it sells raw milk 'only as livestock feed. It is labeled not for human consumption.' Keely Zeller Exum, owner of the dairy farm, declined to comment when reached by phone Aug. 14, saying she wants to speak with her lawyer before agreeing to any interviews. 'The Department of Health has not been to the farm or taken any samples here,' the business's post reads. 'The Department of Health has not indicated to Keely Farms that it committed any wrongdoing, so its press release has blindsided us.' What are the dangers of raw milk? Raw milk can be a source of foodborne illness and while contamination can be reduced, there is no guaranteed protection from harmful germs in raw milk, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 'Pasteurized milk offers the same nutritional benefits without the risks of raw milk consumption,' the CDC said on its website, adding that since the early 1900s, pasteurization has led to a drop in milk-borne illnesses. According to the Florida Department of Health, raw milk can contain disease-causing bacteria, including Campylobacter, Escherichia coli (E. coli), Listeria, Salmonella, and others. The bacteria can cause gastrointestinal illness, ranging from diarrhea and vomiting to stomach cramps. Contributing: Saleen Martin and Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY
