High bacteria levels detected in Bayfront Park | News, Sports, Jobs

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The state Department of Health’s Clean Water Division said Thursday that high levels of bacteria were found at Kihei Bay Park during routine beach monitoring.

The beach was placed under a high bacteria count warning after enterococci were measured at 164 bacteria per 100ml, above the threshold of 130 bacteria per 100ml.

This may indicate the presence of potentially harmful microorganisms in the water. Beachgoers, especially children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems, may become sick after coming into contact with contaminated water.

The most common illness caused by swimming in water contaminated with fecal pathogens is gastroenteritis, with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, headache, or fever. Other minor illnesses can include ear, eye, nose and throat infections, while highly polluted waters can sometimes expose swimmers to more serious illnesses, the department said.

The advisory will remain in effect until water sample results no longer exceed the threshold. For updates, please visit eha-cloud.doh.hawaii.gov/cwb/#!/viewer?eventId=1710.

The Department of Health also issued a Brown Water Warning for Maui’s North Shore from Waihi to Huquipa on Wednesday after high surf caused coastal waters to rise above normal high water levels.

The public is advised to stay away from coastal waters that are brown due to runoff that may contain pesticides and other chemicals, dead animals and feces, pathogens and debris.

For the latest information on this advisory, please visit eha-cloud.doh.hawaii.gov/cwb/#!/event/1709/details/view.

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