Glynn County health officials are warning beach goers on Jekyll Island not to go in the water in the Middle Beach area at the convention center.
The exact area runs from the beach pavilion to the beach deck.
The advisory is only for that specific area, according to the Glynn County Health Department.
Water samples tested found the enterococcus bacteria to be above the Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended standards. The bacteria is found in warm blooded animals including humans but also birds, raccoons, deer, dolphins and other wildlife.
The source of the bacteria isn’t known but possible causes could include animal waste, storm water runoff, or boating waste.
Any seafood caught from this area should be thoroughly washed with fresh water and thoroughly cooked before eating as should fish or seafood caught from any waters.
Anyone who recently swam in the area and experiences an upset stomach, ear infection, sore throat, or wound infection should contact a healthcare provider, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health.
The area will be retested and the advisory will be lifted when tests show the bacteria levels meet the EPA’s recommended standards.
Bill Bortzfield can be reached at bbortzfield@wjct.org, 904-358-6349 or on Twitter at @BortzInJax.
