Ulua Beach is under a high bacteria count advisory after routine beach monitoring found enterococci levels of 137 per 100 milliliters, the state Department of Health said Friday.
Testing indicates that potentially harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, protozoa or parasites may be present in the water.
Swimming at beaches with pollution in the water may make beachgoers sick, the DOH warned. Children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are most likely to develop illnesses or infections after coming into contact with polluted water. While unpleasant, swimming-related illnesses are usually not very serious and require little or no treatment, the DOH said.
The most common illness associated with swimming in water polluted by fecal pathogens is gastroenteritis. Symptoms include nausea vomiting, stomachache, diarrhea, headache or fever. Other minor illnesses could include ear, eye, nose or throat infections. In highly polluted water, swimmers may occasionally be exposed to more serious diseases.
The advisory will remain in effect until water sample results no longer exceed the threshold level of 130 enterococci per 100 mL.
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