Quick Take
Capitola Beach is temporarily closed as public health officials investigate an E. coli outbreak that has sickened nine children across the Bay Area, including four Santa Cruz County residents. Public health officials are investigating a “potentially serious strain” of the bacteria and have conducted environmental testing around Soquel Creek and Capitola Beach.
Capitola Beach is temporarily closed due to an E. coli outbreak, according to Santa Cruz County officials.
County public health officials are currently investigating a “potentially serious strain” of E. coli that has infected nine children across the greater San Francisco Bay Area, according to a joint media release from the City of Capitola and the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency.
This strain of E. coli O157 can cause severe gastrointestinal illness, including diarrhea that may be bloody, abdominal cramps and vomiting. Some infections can lead to serious complications, especially among young children.
Four of the cases involve Santa Cruz County residents, while the other five involve residents from other Bay Area counties; public health officials did not specify which. According to the joint statement, all nine cases are linked, suggesting a “common source or related exposures.”
Capitola Beach will remain closed while the investigation continues. The closure is intended to reduce potential exposure while public health officials gather additional information. The county and City of Capitola are working closely with the California Department of Public Health and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Environmental sampling has also been conducted in four locations in or around Soquel Creek and Capitola Beach, including an upstream location near Nob Hill Foods, the jetty, Soquel Creek lagoon and the flume where water enters Monterey Bay. County public health officials are planning additional E. coli testing as the investigation continues.
Residents and visitors are advised to:
- Stay out of the water within the posted closure area.
- Avoid drinking untreated water from creeks, lagoons or other natural water bodies.
- Avoid swimming with open wounds and shower after contact with natural waterways.
- Keep pets out of potentially contaminated water and provide them with clean drinking water.
- Follow posted closure signs and public health advisories.
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