Monday afternoon State health officials asked swimmers to stay outof one section of the Pamlico River just southeast of the Washington area.The restricted area is mainly in Beaufort County near the Hickory Pointand Goose Creek area.
Environmental officials detected pfiesteria there a two weeks ago andthey think it may have killed hundreds of fish. As a precaution, peopleare being warned against going into the water.
Park Superintendent Scott Kershner says the beach will be closed untilmore date can be gathered.
The affected fish are mostly menhaden which have been found floatingall along the 15 mile stretch of beach. While many say the signs ofpfiesteria are obvious, state officials are not blaming the organism yet.
Don Reuter of North Carolina Environmental Health says inspectors wentout Tuesday afternoon to study the waters.
Pfiesteria has not been proven to be harmful to humans. That'sapparently why some swimmers ignored warnings to stay out of the river.
Reporter/Photographer:Brian Bowman
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