RI Health, DEM Close Winnapaug Pond to Shellfishing Due to High Bacteria

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RI Health, DEM Close Winnapaug Pond to Shellfishing Due to High Bacteria

RI Health, DEM close Winnapaug Pond to shellfishing due to high bacteria
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and the Rhode Island Department of Health are closing the waters of Winnapaug Pond in Charlestown and Westerly to shellfishing due to high bacteria. 

According to RIDOH, shellfish from water with high bacteria levels could result in gastroenteritis. 

Pond Closure 

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According to the two agencies, the closure is being enacted because water samples collected on Wednesday, July 24, had unsafe bacteria levels. 

The results of these samples were received on Friday. 

According to RI DEM, the high bacteria levels are likely due to stormwater runoff from the more than three inches of rain that fell on Monday, July 22, and Tuesday, July 23, across the state. 

RIDOH has initiated a recall of shellfish commercially harvested (wild or farmed) from Winnapaug Pond on or after Tuesday and is advising that any shellfish harvested recreationally be thrown away immediately.

DEM is planning to collect additional water samples on Monday and will update this announcement as circumstances warrant.

Gastroenteritis

The symptoms of gastroenteritis could include nausea, vomiting, stomachache, diarrhea, headache, and fever.

It can be a serious health concern for young children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems


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