A “high bacteria count” advisory has been issued for waters in Kailua Bay.
A “high bacteria count” advisory has been issued for waters in Kailua Bay.
The Department of Health issued the advisory after levels of enterococci at Kailua Pier Sta. A-1, which is located on the south side of Kailua Pier, measured 2,060 per 100 mL during routine beach monitoring.
Swimming at beaches with pollution in the water may make people ill. Children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are the most likely populations to develop illnesses or infections after coming into contact with polluted water, usually while swimming. While swimming-related illnesses can be unpleasant, they are usually not very serious, according to the DOH.
The most common illness associated with swimming in water polluted by fecal pathogens is gastroenteritis. It occurs in a variety of forms that can have one or more of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, stomachache, diarrhea, headache or fever. Other minor illnesses associated with swimming include ear, eye, nose and throat infections. In highly polluted water, swimmers may occasionally be exposed to more serious diseases.
The advisory will remain in effect until water sample results no longer exceed the threshold level of 130 enterococci per 100 mL.
