VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – A swimming advisory issued for the Oceanfront beach between 8th and 22nd street Wednesday afternoon was lifted Thursday morning.
The water tested for high bacteria levels, according to the Virginia Beach Department of Public Health.
Signs that were posted at beach entrances between the affected areas warning the public of the advisory have been taken down.
Recreational waters are monitored for bacteria using indicator organisms including Enterococcus, which is used for estuarine and marine waters. The water is tested weekly through the summer months while beaches are in use.
The bacteria found does not cause illness, but scientific studies indicate their presence is closely correlated to the presence of other disease-causing organisms. People swimming or playing in waters with bacteria levels higher than the standard have a greater risk of developing gastrointestinal illness, skin eye or respiratory infections.
