Four beaches in Miami-Dade may not be safe for swimmers

According to the Florida Health Department, four beaches in Miami-Dade may not be safe for swimmers after tests in water samples confirmed the presence of high levels of enterococci bacteria, which is an indicator of fecal contamination.

Miami Beach, from 1st to 5th Street, Biscayne Bay (from South Pointe to 14th Street), Crandon Park South and Haulover Beach South are the beaches not recommended for swimmers, especially children and adults with weakened immune systems that are more vulnerable to infections.

These are people who have weak immunity due to disease or surgery, are undergoing cancer treatment, dialysis, are receiving an organ transplant, have HIV or AIDS o have had a root canal.

The prevalence of the bacteria is an indicator of fecal pollution as this bacteria lives in the intestinal tracts of humans and animals. It may come from stormwater runoff, wildlife, pets, and human sewage.

When enterococci is present in high concentrations in recreational waters and is ingested while swimming or enters the skin through a cut or sore, it may cause human disease, infections or rashes.

These four beaches in Miami-Dade may not be safe for swimmers, because health can get seriously affected. The most common symptoms associated include vomiting, diarrhea, headache, fever, and ear, eye, nose and throat infections.

For more information about the advisories, visit the Florida Healthy Beaches Program site or call 850-245-4240.