WAILUA — A high-bacteria-count advisory has been issued at Lydgate Park, according to the state’s Department of Health Clean Water Branch.
WAILUA — A high-bacteria-count advisory has been issued at Lydgate Park, according to the state’s Department of Health Clean Water Branch.
A high level of enterococci was detected at the beach earlier this week during routine beach monitoring. This advisory will remain in effect until water-sample results no longer exceed the threshold level of 130 enterococci per 100 milliliters.
As of Wednesday, levels of 782 per 100 mL had been detected.
High levels of enterococci can indicate that potentially harmful bacteria, viruses, protozoa or parasites may be present in the water that may make swimmers sick.
The most-common illness associated with swimming in water polluted by fecal pathogens is gastroenteritis, which can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, diarrhea, headache or fever, according to the DOH.
Other minor illnesses associated with swimming include ear, eye, nose and throat infections. In highly polluted water, swimmers may occasionally be exposed to more-serious diseases.