Pueblo of Isleta warns of E. coli in the Rio Grande
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The Pueblo of Isleta governor issued a 鈥渘o swimming or fishing鈥� executive order Wednesday after E. coli was found in the Rio Grande.
鈥淲e were just informed of the high levels of (E. coli) found in the Rio Grande River, after testing was performed,鈥� according to the order signed by Gov. Eugene Jiron.
In the order addressed to the Pueblo of Isleta community, Jiron said the 鈥渟ituation does not affect our public drinking supply.鈥�
E. coli is a bacterium that can make people sick with diarrhea, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, sepsis, and other illnesses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
People can get infected after swallowing E. coli., 鈥渢hrough contaminated food or water or contact with animals, environments or other people.鈥�
The CDC said those most at risk from E. coli include children under 5, adults over 65 and people with weakened immune systems.
鈥淭his order is to protect the health and safety of our community members. I am requesting your full cooperation while we work on this matter,鈥� the order states.
It is unclear what caused the high the levels of E. coli, how the bacteria got into the water and whether the testing was done in the river or in diversion ditches.
The Pueblo of Isleta did not respond to a request for comment.
