Advertisement Levee breach in Mississippi sends 6 million gallons of sewage into Bogue Chitto River Louisiana state health officials are warning people to avoid the Bogue Chitto River until further notice after a levee breach in Mississippi sent approximately 6 million gallons of sewage into the water. Share Shares Copy Link Copy

Louisiana state health officials are warning people to avoid the Bogue Chitto River until further notice after a levee breach in Mississippi sent approximately 6 million gallons of sewage into the water. The Louisiana Department of Health issued the advisory Saturday after it was notified by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality about a levee breach in Brookhaven, Mississippi. Officials said a levee breach Friday at Brookhaven's sewage plant sent millions of gallons of storm water diluted sewage into the east branch of the Bogue Chitto River. Because of the levee breach, Louisiana health officials began issuing water contact advisories for swimming and fishing in the river for its entire length in Louisiana. The release is under control and no additional sewage is expected to reach the river, but health officials said the contaminated river water will reach Louisiana by Sunday. Officials said the raw sewage might temporarily increase contamination levels, like fecal coliform readings, in the river to levels that are unsafe for swimming or fishing. "Because of this release of raw sewage into the river, we are advising citizens that contact with the water could present a health risk,” said Dr. Jimmy Guidry, Louisiana state health officer. "Although all waterways will have some level of contamination, this sewage release has the possibility of elevating the levels of bacteria. People should take precautions to lessen their chance of getting sick from exposure to the water.” Health officials said microorganisms can enter the body through the mouth, nose, eyes and ears. Swallowing or swimming in contaminated water could increase a persons risk of illness. Illnesses associated with poor water quality include diarrhea, sore throats, stomach cramps or vomiting. Children, the elderly or people with a weakened immune system are at greater risk of getting sick when swimming in waters that harbor natural and man-made contaminants. The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality is developing a water monitoring plan. When results are in, DEQ will advise the Department of Health. Here are a few more tips from DHH about staying health in natural waterways: Do not swim near a drainage pipe or in a ditch, or near runoff or littered areasDo not swim in areas with warnings against swimmingAvoid swimming after heavy rainsAvoid ingesting or swallowing the waterMinimize immersing your head when swimming.Avoid swimming with an open cut or wound.Shower after exposure to the water More information about the Health Department can be found online. Keep up with local news, weather and current events with the WDSU app here. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news right in your inbox. Click here to sign up!