Visitors headed to Lincoln City this Memorial Day weekend might need to stay out of the water.

The Oregon Health Authority issued a public health advisory on Wednesday for D River Beach, a popular beach in the heart of Lincoln City, after water samples indicated high levels of fecal bacteria.

People should avoid coming into contact with water in the area while the advisory is in effect, officials said in a news release. The bacteria can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, rashes, respiratory infections and other illnesses.

The warning comes at a particularly bad time, as visitors prepare to descend upon the central Oregon coast destination for Memorial Day weekend. Neighboring beaches are not affected, and recreation outside of the water is still safe, officials said.

Health advisories are not uncommon at D River. The Oregon Health Authority most recently issued a warning in September, 2018, which lasted eight days. Increased bacteria levels can come from stormwater runoff, overflowing sewers and animal waste sources farther inland.

Visitors can check on the status of the health advisory online at the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program, or by calling 971-673-0482 or 877-290-6767.

--Jamie Hale | jhale@oregonian.com | @HaleJamesB