People should avoid direct contact with the water at Harris Beach until the health advisory is lifted, state officials said.

Oregon Health Authority lifted a public health advisory Friday for Harris Beach in Curry County, a day after issuing a warning about unsafe levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters.

Follow-up tests taken by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality showed lower bacteria levels.

Officials recommend staying out of large pools on the beach that are frequented by birds, and runoff from those pools, because the water may contain increased bacteria from fecal matter.

Unsafe levels of fecal bacteria can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections and other illnesses, the advisory stated. Children, the elderly and those with a compromised immune system should use extra caution during an advisory because they are more vulnerable to illness from waterborne bacteria, OHA said.

Unsafe levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters can come from both shore and inland sources, including stormwater runoff, sewer overflows, failing septic systems, and animal waste from livestock, pets and wildlife, the advisory stated.

Even if there is no advisory in effect, avoid swimming in the ocean within 48 hours after a rainstorm, OHA said.

State officials said that non-water activities, including kite-flying, picnicking or playing or walking on the beach, pose no health risk during an advisory.

For the most recent information on advisories, visit the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program website at http://www.healthoregon.org/beach or call 971-673-0482 or 877-290-6767 (toll-free).