THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, CHARLOTTE
COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT ISSUES BEACH ADVISORY FOR PORT
CHARLOTTE BEACH WEST
High levels of bacteria prompt beach warning signs to be posted.
Port Charlotte (FL) - The Florida Department of Health (DOH)
Charlotte County Health Department is issuing a beach advisory
for the Port Charlotte Beach West. Water samples from the Port
Charlotte Beach Complex West were determined to contain levels
of enteric bacteria (enterococci) higher than recommended by the
United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) water
quality standards. These areas should be considered a potential
health risk to the bathing public. If high concentrations of
these bacteria are ingested or enter through an open cut or
sore, they may cause human disease or infection. The most common
symptoms include rashes, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
Enteric bacteria such as fecal coliform and enterococci normally
inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals, and may
cause human disease, infections or rashes. The presence of
enteric bacteria is an indication of fecal pollution, which may
come from storm water runoff, pets, wildlife and human sewage.
The bacteria have been associated with large flocks of seabirds
roosting on this beach in the past.
Charlotte County Health Department participates in the Florida
Healthy Beaches Monitoring Program. The Healthy Beaches Program
involves the monitoring of salt
- Charlotte CHD monitors beaches in Charlotte
County
- Advisory signs have been posted due to high
levels of bacteria for Port Charlotte Beach
West.
- Rash, Diarrhea, Naseau and Vomiting may
occur if organisms are ingested.
- Signs will remain posted until levels become
acceptable for bathing.
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or brackish water beaches.
Health advisories are issued if beach waters fail to meet
required water quality standards. Signs placed near the beach
will read “This Beach Monitored as Part of the Healthy Beaches
Program – ADVISORY - High Bacteria Levels - Swimming NOT
Recommended - Increased Risk of Illness at This Time.” Signs
remain posted until bacteria levels have been determined to be
acceptable by standards set forth by US EPA.
DOH promotes and protects the health and safety of all people in
Florida through the delivery of quality public health services
and the promotion of health care standards. For more information
about DOH programs such as the Florida Healthy Beaches Program
please visit the Department of Health’s web site at
www.doh.state.fl.us and
choose beach water quality under the A-Z topics list, or visit
www.CharlotteCHD.com
Beach Monitoring Program
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Managed Septic Program
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