HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.15.26 For Immediate Release_ Public Health Reports Recent Big Chico Creek Samples Negative for E. coli O157From:Almaguer, Lisa
To:BOS; Soderstrom, Monica; Blankenship, DeAnne; Beaudoin, Jarett; Cox, Erin; McSpadden, Elaine; Nicholas, Jodi;
Putnam, Jodi; Wais, Ashley; York, DeLellis
Subject:For Immediate Release: Public Health Reports Recent Big Chico Creek Samples Negative for E. coli O157
Date:Friday, May 15, 2026 10:03:05 AM
The following press release will be issued shortly…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15, 2026
Public Health Reports Recent Big Chico Creek Samples Negative for E. coli O157
BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. – Butte County Public Health (BCPH) announced today that water and
sediment samples collected May 4 from several locations along Big Chico Creek did not detect
E. coli O157 following laboratory testing by the State Water Board’s laboratory. The testing
was conducted as part of BCPH’s ongoing investigation into an outbreak of E. coli O157 illness
linked to recreational water exposure in the creek during summer 2025.
BCPH will continue consulting with the State Water Board in the coming weeks to determine
whether additional sampling and testing for E. coli O157 will be conducted.
While these results are encouraging, BCPH reminds the public that water quality conditions in
natural waterways can change at any time due to environmental factors, such as weather,
wildlife activity, water flow, and erosion from past wildfires. These test results represent only
a point in time and do not guarantee future conditions.
The recent testing coordinated by BCPH specifically targeted E. coli O157, a rare strain that
can cause severe illness. Public Health does not routinely test Big Chico Creek and initiated
this testing as part of the investigation into last year’s outbreak.
Separately, the City of Chico conducts routine seasonal water monitoring at Sycamore Pool
during the warmer months to measure typical E. coli levels found in natural waterways. When
typical E. coli levels exceed established health thresholds, the City may issue swimming
advisories based on those findings. Current Sycamore Pool water quality monitoring results
are available on the City’s website: tinyurl.com/SycamorePool.
Swimming and recreating in Big Chico Creek always carries some level of risk, especially for
young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Exposure to
bacteria and other germs in creek water can pose a risk of illness, particularly if water is
swallowed or enters the body through cuts or abrasions.
BCPH encourages the public to take the following precautions when swimming or recreating in
natural waterways:
Avoid swallowing creek water.
Be cautious with babies and toddlers; they often swallow water by accident.
Wash hands before eating or drinking.
Rinse off with clean water after swimming.
Don’t swim if you have open wounds or have had diarrhea in the past 2 weeks.
Use properly fitted swim diapers for young children who aren’t potty trained.
Symptoms of E. coli infection, after contact with creek water, include diarrhea, stomach
cramps, or fever. Residents who suspect that they’ve been infected with a waterborne illness
should contact their healthcare provider. They may also call and report their illness to Butte
County Public Health at: 530-552-3929.
###
Please note that my email has changed. Please update your records:lalmaguer@buttecounty.ca.gov Lisa AlmaguerCommunications/Public Information OfficerButte County Public Health | Nationally Accredited since 09/13/17
2080 E 20th St., Suite 180 • Chico, CA 95928T: 530.552.4042 | M: 530.966.1686 www.buttecounty.net/610/publichealth COUNTY OF BUTTE E-MAIL DISCLAIMER: This e-mail and any attachment thereto may contain private, confidential, andprivileged material for the sole use of the intended recipient. Any review, copying, or distribution of this e-mail (or anyattachments thereto) by other than the County of Butte or the intended recipient is strictly prohibited. If you are NOT theintended recipient, please contact the sender immediately and permanently delete the original and any copies of this e-mail and any attachments thereto.