EPA Warns of High Levels of E. Coli Bacteria in Flood Water
AXcess News) New Orleans -The EPAhas issued a warning to hurricane Katrina survivors saying tests of the stagnant water that fills most of the cities in the Gulf coast regionshows dangerously high levels of deadly E. Coli bacteria,coliform and lead from waste that has polluted it since the category 4 storm broke.

The EPA said that the entire Gulf coast region where flooding occurred has tested positive for E. coli, coliform, and leadand that none of the drinking water sources there are safe for human consumption. The water poses a health risk through both ingestion of the contaminated floodwater and through skin contact, the federal agency said.

The levels of E. Coli and coliform and lead were 10 times greater than the safety limit,according tothe Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson said at a press conference in the Capitol thatNo one should drink the flood water, especially children.

The warning was directed not only at residents who have not yet evacuated, but also rescue and relief workers. CDC Director Julie L. Gerberding, M.D., advised relief workers to be current on tetanus shots and wear protective clothing at all times.

Gerberding said children in the affected areas need to be up-to-date on their immunizations to protect against the heightened risk of disease.

The federal agencies started testing