5 Norfolk beaches a no-go for swimming, announces health dept.

Beachgoers should be on the lookout for VDH advisory signs like this.Photo byNorfolk VDH

During a swimming advisory beachgoers should not enter the water, according to the Virginia Department of Health.

Norfolk Department of Public Health issued swimming advisories for five of the city’s beaches, yesterday, Sept. 4, including:

• 5th Bay
• North Community Beach
• Ocean View Park
• 10th View
• 13th View

The advisories were issued after testing conducted yesterday found elevated levels of enterococci bacteria. An advisory is issued if the bacteria levels exceed 104 (MPN/100 mL of water), VDH explains.

Ocean View Park, the worst of the results, was four times the acceptable level at 457 and 10^th View wasn’t far behind at 408, according to VDH reporting.

Enterococci bacteria aren’t harmful themselves, but they are an indicator for fecal contamination, which poses a health risk, the department explains.

“Scientific studies indicate the presence of enterococci bacteria is closely correlated to the presence of other disease-causing organisms. People swimming or playing in waters with bacteria levels higher than the state standards have an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal illness,” it adds.

Signs have been posted on the beaches informing the public of the advisories. Norfolk Dept. of Health said the signs will be removed when bacteria levels decrease to meet state standards.

A VDH video also notes that swimming advisories are for humans and pets as they can get sick too,

The Norfolk closures come on top of numerous closures in Virginia Beach. So be on the lookout for advisory signs.

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