Editor’s note: You can listen to the full interview with Butte County Public Health Officer Dr. Jarett Beaudoin at the end of this story.
More reports of E. coli infections are what’s behind the recent decision to expand a no swim advisory from Sycamore Pool in Bidwell Park to most of Big Chico Creek.
Butte County Public Health has received a total of five infection reports connected to E. coli O157. It’s a toxic strain that can lead to kidney failure, especially in children.
Butte County Public Health Officer Dr. Jarett Beaudoin said some of the cases have been severe, with a few leading to kidney failure.
“Kidney failure in a kid, this can mean that they don't recover sometimes, and that they require things like kidney transplants or dialysis long term.” Beaudoin said.
It’s unknown if the cases are linked
The first few cases were linked to Sycamore Pool at the One Mile Recreation Area, but recent ones have been connected near the Five Mile Recreation Area upstream.
Public health is unsure if the cases are part of the same outbreak. Beaudoin said the advisory was expanded out of caution. The agency has reached out to the California Department of Public Health, the City of Chico and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for guidance.
“There is some question about human factors. Could this be people who are unhoused, who are camping in Big Chico Creek? Certainly when we talk to our experts, they think it’s likely not, and they think that it’s usually spread by either cattle or geese.”- Dr. Jarett Beaudoin, Butte County public health officer
Right now, the department is collecting samples of water at Sycamore Pool, the Chico Creek Nature Center, Hooker Oak Park, Five-Mile and Alligator Hole. Those samples will be sent to the CDC to determine where the bacteria might be located in the creek — if it’s there at all — and if further investigation is needed.
Public health should get test results back in about two weeks, Beaudoin said.
Experts suspect wildlife or livestock as the source of contamination
E. coli is commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals, and often makes its way into natural water sources like creeks, rivers and lakes. But, E.coli O157 is different from other species typically found in waterways. It’s usually spread by animals.
“There is some question about human factors. Could this be people who are unhoused, who are camping in Big Chico Creek?” Beaudoin said. “Certainly when we talk to our experts, they think it's likely not, and they think that it's usually spread by either cattle or geese.”
Though it’s unconfirmed what caused the outbreak, Beaudoin said warm temperatures during the summer often causes bacteria to grow.
Additionally, he said nutrients found in sediment in the creek from the Park Fire could have helped the bacteria spread.
How to avoid getting sick from E. coli in streams, lakes
When swimming in natural waterways, Beaudoin said it’s important to keep your mouth out of the water, properly rinse off with clean water after swimming and wash your hands.
If you don’t wash your hands after being in the water, you could accidentally ingest E. coli. The bacteria spreads through what’s known as the fecal-oral route, and can pass from contaminated hands to your mouth, or onto food and surfaces.
If you believe you have symptoms of an E. coli infection, Beaudoin said to report it to the public health department or request to be tested by your doctor.
