CAPE CORAL, Fla. -- Health officials are urging visitors to Yacht Club Beach to avoid the water after elevated bacteria levels were identified in recent testing.
According to the Florida Department of Health in Lee County, tests completed on April 18th exceeded the recommended levels of Enterococcus bacteria.
The beach is located at 5819 Driftwood Parkway in Cape Coral.
Enterococcus bacteria normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals. The presence of an elevated concentration of these bacteria is an indicator of pollution, which may come from storm water runoff, pets, wildlife or sewage.
Elevated levels of Enterococcus bacteria have been associated with an increased risk of swimming-associated gastroenteritis illness (diarrhea and abdominal pain).
This advisory will continue until bacteria levels are below the accepted health level.
New test results should be available for Yacht Club Beach on Tuesday, April 23.
