As parts of the Midwest and East Coast were recently hit with floods, concerns over mold growth and contamination have been on the minds of many flood victims. However, a recent case in Cumberland County, New Jersey recently brought to light that mold is not the only concern after a flood. The Cumberland County Courthouse in Bridgeton, New Jersey was recently flooded after torrential rainfall. Samples taken shortly after the flood water receded came back positive for E. coli and fecal coliforms. Both of these types of bacteria are commonly associated with human sewage and animal waste and likely came into the courthouse with the flood waters.

E. coli can make individuals extremely sick and certain types may even cause death while fecal coliforms are used as an indicator that additional pathogens may be present. Other waterborne diseases commonly associated with fecal contamination include dysentery, hepatitis A and other dangerous diseases.