Do not swim in the Pearl River or its tributaries in the Jackson area or eat anything out of the water unless it is thoroughly cooked.

That’s the warning from the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality after untreated wastewater from several manholes made its way into the water.

These are the areas to avoid:

— From Lakeland Drive downstream to the bridge crossing the Pearl River in Byram.

— Eubanks Creek from Lakeland Drive to the Pearl River, including Mayes Lakes.

— The drainage system formed by the old river channel along the Pearl River Levee between Fortification and High streets.

— The drainage ditch and cypress slough south of the state fairgrounds.