The Virginia Beach Health Department has ordered the closure of the oceanfront beach from 54th to 71st Street due to elevated bacteria counts.
The bacteria, identified by Skip Scanlon with the health department as enterococcus, is found in the intestinal tracts of warm blooded animals.
The city will be posting signs to alert the public.
The signs will read:
WARNING! SWIMMING ADVISORY
Bacteria levels do not meet state water quality standards
Swimming and wading are prohibited until further notice
According to a news release, Enterococci "are a group of organisms used to determine the extent of the fecal contamination of recreational waters. While they do not cause illness, scientific studies indicate that their presence is closely correlated to the presence of other disease-causing organisms. People swimming or playing in waters with bacteria levels higher than the standard have an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal illness, as well as skin, eye and respiratory infections".
According to V.B. Health Department director Dr. Venita Newby-Owens, "Typically an advisory of this nature is temporary and will be withdrawn once the bacteria levels have returned to safe levels."
She also said: "We encourage the public to protect their health by complying with this advisory".
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