Don’t swim at these two popular Miami-area beaches, county health department says
The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade issued a water quality advisory on Saturday for two popular beach sites after two tests revealed the presence of enterococcus bacteria.
You know, too much number two.
Where is the no swimming advisory?
The Florida health department tests, performed on Thursday, said the water quality readingsfor the bacteria were too high at Haulover Beach South and Crandon Park North.
Why is the bacteria a problem?
The county advises against any water-related activities at these locations due to an increased risk of illness in swimmers. Enterococci are bacteria normally found in the human intestines and out in the environment like soil and water, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In 2017, the bacteria caused an estimated 54,500 infections among hospitalized patients and 5,400 estimated deaths in the U.S., according to the CDC.
According to studies conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency, enterococci have a greater correlation with swimming-associated gastrointestinal illness in both marine and fresh waters than other bacterial organisms, and are able to survive in saltwater.
When will the advisory expire?
This advisory will continue until bacteria levels are below the accepted health level. Test results are available at FloridaHealth.gov/Healthy Beaches.
