Florida beaches shut down swimming after finding elevated levels of fecal bacteria
The bacteria can cause human disease, infections or rashes
Support truly
independent journalism
Our mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.
Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.
Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.
Louise Thomas
Editor
Beaches in Florida along the Gulf Coast are no longer letting people swim after finding high levels of toxic and fecal bacteria in the water.
The two beaches in Walton County have a “no swim” advisory, while six beaches in Okaloosa County still allow swimming but have a “health advisory” after discovering elevated levels of the enterococci bacteria which is less likely to die off in salt water.
The Florida Health Department said all other beaches along the Panhandle have “satisfactory” water quality.
The enterococci bacteria are normally found within the intestinal tract of human and animals, and indicate fecal pollution from stormwater, pets and human sewage.
High concentrations of the bacteria, if ingested while swimming, or entering the skin through an open cut, can cause human disease, infections or rashes.
According to Medscape, infections commonly caused by the bacteria are: “urinary tract infection (UTIs), endocarditis, bacteremia, catheter-related infections, wound infections, and intra-abdominal and pelvic infections.”
The young and elderly, especially those with weakened immune systems, would be at most risk. People with open wounds are advised not to swim.
Water quality is considered poor if bacteria levels are above 70 enterococci per 100 milliliters of marine water, but WSB news reported that Walton County water levels exceed 900.
WSB previously incorrectly reported that more beaches were closed and that the bacteria was “flesh-eating”.
“I apologize for any confusion this may have caused,” WSB chief meteorologist Glenn Burns said on Facebook.
Florida began testing for the bacteria in 1998, and it has since expanded to more than 34 of the state’s coastal counties, testing for fecal coliform as well as the enterococci bacteria.
All the participating counties are tested on a weekly basis.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments