HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.13.25 Board Correspondence_ FW_ For Immediate Release_ CDC Confirms Dangerous E. coli O157 in Big Chico Creek — No-Swim Advisory Remains in EffectFrom:Clerk of the Board
To:Mutony, Heather
Subject:Board Correspondence: FW: For Immediate Release: CDC Confirms Dangerous E. coli O157 in Big Chico Creek —
No-Swim Advisory Remains in Effect
Date:Wednesday, August 13, 2025 4:39:59 PM
Please see Board Correspondence
From: Almaguer, Lisa <LAlmaguer@buttecounty.net>
Sent: Wednesday, August 13, 2025 4:38 PM
To: BOS <BOS@buttecounty.net>; Cox, Erin <ECox@buttecounty.net>; McSpadden, Elaine
<EMcspadden@buttecounty.net>; Nicholas, Jodi <JNicholas@buttecounty.net>; Putnam, Jodi
<JPutnam@buttecounty.net>; Wais, Ashley <AWais@buttecounty.net>
Cc: Soderstrom, Monica <msoderstrom@buttecounty.net>; Blankenship, DeAnne
<DBlankenship@buttecounty.net>; Beaudoin, Jarett <JBeaudoin@buttecounty.net>
Subject: For Immediate Release: CDC Confirms Dangerous E. coli O157 in Big Chico Creek — No-
Swim Advisory Remains in Effect
The following press release will be issued shortly…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 13, 2025
CDC Confirms Dangerous E. coli O157 in Big Chico Creek —
No-Swim Advisory Remains in Effect
BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. – Butte County Public Health (BCPH) has received lab results from the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirming the presence of E. coli O157 in multiple
locations along Big Chico Creek. The samples, collected on July 17 and July 24, match the same strain
that sickened and hospitalized several children earlier this summer. BCPH urges the public to
continue following all no-swim advisories for the creek until further notice.
“This is not your average creek bacteria – this is a new and dangerous strain of E. Coli that continues
to be found in the creek this summer,” said Butte County Public Health Officer Dr. Jarett Beaudoin.
“If you’ve been thinking about taking a swim in the creek, please don’t.”
Since the no-swim advisory was issued on July 18, BCPH has not received any new reports of
waterborne illnesses linked to the creek.
CDC Findings
Preliminary CDC findings suggest the E. coli O157 contamination likely came from grazing animals or
birds, though the exact species has not yet been identified. For this strain of E. coli O157, it is very
unlikely that the contamination came from human fecal matter.
Next Steps
The CDC has recommended further investigation of the creek system to pinpoint the source(s) of E.
coli O157 contamination and explore possible solutions. BCPH is continuing to investigate other
potential sources and is actively consulting with subject matter experts to determine next steps.
Updates will continue to be shared in a timely manner as BCPH works to ensure the safety of this
beloved waterway.
This investigation may take several months, and the no-swim advisory will likely be in place for the
entire season.
E. coli O157 is a dangerous variant that can cause severe illness, hospitalization, and in some cases,
kidney failure.
For more information on E. coli, visit: www.cdc.gov/ecoli/about/index.html
For updates on the Big Chico Creek advisory, visit: www.buttecounty.net/610/publichealth
###
Lisa Almaguer
Public Information Officer
BUTTE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH
2080 E 20th Street, Suite 180 | Chico, CA 95928
T: 530.552.4000 | D: 530.552.4041
Nationally Accredited since 09/13/17
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