Ocean swim advisory issued in Daytona Beach over bacteria levels

Water samplings show high levels of bacteria near Main Street access

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health on Friday issued a swimming advisory for Daytona Beach based on results of a recent water sampling that indicated high levels of bacteria.

Health officials said the advisory has been issued for the Main Street area of the beach in Daytona Beach and that swimming is not recommended until it is lifted.

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A swimming advisory means contact with the water may pose an increased risk of infectious disease based on the Environmental Protection Agency criteria, according to a FDOH release.

Officials said it is a precautionary advisory and not a closure.

The bacteria levels tested lower at all other sites of the 40 miles of Volusia County beaches, according to the release.

Officials said the spike in bacteria levels may be a natural variation. They test weekly ocean water samples for enterococci bacteria, which can be found in the intestinal tract of humans and other animals.

The bacteria can cause gastrointestinal illness, upper respiratory infections or skin infections of open wounds or sores.

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