The Florida Department of Health issued a health advisory for a Key Biscayne beach after testing revealed elevated levels of bacteria in nearby waters.
On Oct. 1, Crandon Park South received a "poor" rating for its levels of Enterococcus bacteria, according to the FDOH. The agency "advises against" any "water-related activities" at the beach "due to an increased risk of illness in swimmers."
What are enteroccoci?
"Enterococci are bacteria that live in the intestinal tracts of warm-blooded animals, including humans, and therefore indicate possible contamination of surface waters by fecal waste," according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
The results at Crandon Park South indicate that "contact with the water at this site may pose increased risk of infectious disease,
particularly for susceptible individuals," reads FDOH's website.
There are also "natural, non-fecal sources of fecal indicator bacteria," according to the EPA, which include "plants, sand, soil and sediments." These contribute to a "background level in ambient waters and vary based on local environmental and meteorological conditions."
The advisory will remain in place until the bacteria levels are below the "accepted health level," according to the FDOH.
Where is Key Biscayne, Florida?
Key Biscayne is located southeast of Miami, and Crandon Park North and South are both located on the key.
Sarah Perkel is a South Florida Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network's Florida Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Beach advisory issued in Miami-Dade for elevated bacteria levels
