Bahia Beach Health Advisory Issued

RUSKIN, FL — Tampa Bay area residents with plans to visit Bahia Beach over the long Memorial Day weekend might want to think twice about getting into the water.

The Hillsborough County Health Department has issued an advisory for Bahia Beach after water samples taken on Monday tested high for enterococci bacteria.

“This should be considered a potential risk to the bathing public,” an email to media from the agency said.

New samples will be taken on Tuesday, May 31. If the water tests within a satisfactory range at that time, the health advisory will be lifted.

Enteric bacteria are found naturally in the intestinal tracks of animals and humans. The bacteria “may cause human disease, infections or rashes,” the agency noted. “The presence of enteric bacteria is an indication of fecal pollution, which may come from storm water runoff, pets and wildlife, and human sewage.”

Image via Shutterstock

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