Nearly one-third of Ohio's beaches are under health advisories after tests yielded high levels of E. coli bacteria that could sicken swimmers.
The beaches under health advisory can be seen at the Ohio Department of Health's "Beachguard" web site.
Escherichia coli (abbreviated as E. coli) are bacteria found in the environment, foods, and intestines of people and animals, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported. E. coli are a large and diverse group of bacteria. Although most strains of the bacteria are harmless, others can make you sick. Some kinds of E. coli can cause diarrhea, while others cause urinary tract infections, respiratory illness, pneumonia and other illnesses.
Brian Miller of the State Division of Parks and Recreation told the Dayton Daily News that officials want people to be aware of the advisories as they head out to this beach this weekend, Myrtle Beach Online reported. He notes that the heavy rainfall throughout June had a role in the increase in E.Coli levels.
"We've set a lot of records for rainfall in June and that has a huge impact bringing that bacteria into the lakes," Miller said.
The advisory means that the level of bacteria has reached unsafe levels and could make swimmers sick, according to the state. Children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk and are advised not to swim while the advisory is in effect.
Various viruses and bacteria have received media attention as of late. One recent death was recorded in Florida due to flesh-eating bacteria and another in California due to a brain-eating amoeba.
