Beach advisory

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Beach Advisory Warning Sign in Orange Beach, Alabama Orange Beach Health Advisory.JPG
Beach Advisory Warning Sign in Orange Beach, Alabama

A beach advisory is a warning given by a local government to avoid swimming in a body of water. [1] Beach advisories do not automatically close bodies of water to swimmers but instead function as a warning to swimmers against swimming at a particular site. [2]

Contents

Beach advisories are issued after unsafe levels of Enterococcus are detected at sample sites along a body of water, often resulting from high levels of fecal matter in the water. [1] One source of waste pollution and subsequent increase in enteroccus concentration may come from migrating birds. [3] Enterococcus bacteria is not harmful by itself, but it indicates harmful bacteria is in the water. These types of bacteria can cause gastrointestinal illnesses, resulting in vomiting and diarrhea. [1] [3] They may also cause upper respiratory illness as well as skin infections at an open wound. [3]

Beach advisories are also issued after chemical spills. [4] Beach advisories are often issued after rain advisories because high amounts of rain can cause contaminated streamflow from flooding to enter a body of water and contaminate the swimming area. [4] [5]

Reasons for Beach Advisories

Enterococcus

Enterococcus is a large genus of lactic acid phylum Firmicutes [nt 1] Fecal enterococci inhabit gastrointestinal tract of animals. Therefore, having abnormally high indicators of fecal enterococcus in bodies of water correlates directly to fecal contamination (Domingo et al., 2003). Domingo also suggests that using the TaqMan-based approach [nt 2] can detect Enterococcus in environmental waters. This method may be performed in the span of a few hours, making it an efficient system that local governments may rely on, while issuing a beach advisory. Another method to detect large numbers of enterococcus in water is an agar-based growth media incubated under standard aerobic conditions. While conducting various tests involving selective as well as non-selective methods, cultures of enterococcus are isolated in brass and earthen vessels for up to 48 hours (Chhibber et al., 2007). Enterococcus may cause an array of illnesses, varying from cellulitis, prostatitis, diverticulitis, urinary tract infections (UTI), endocarditis as well intra-abdominal infections (Bush, 2013).

Cellulitis

The Mayo Clinic defines cellulitis as a common but potentially serious bacterial skin infection (2015). Symptoms of cellulitis include skin swelling, tenderness, redness and skin feeling hot. Cellulitis does not usually spread from person to person, but may enter the body by cracks or breaks in the skin. Cellulitis usually appears on the lower parts of the legs but may spread anywhere on the body. Cellulitis begins by affecting merely the surface of the skin, but may migrate to the tissues, affecting lymph nodes and eventually the bloodstream. If left untreated, the spreading infection may become life-threatening. It is crucial that one seeks medical treatment if the previously mentioned symptoms occur.

Prostatitis

Enterococcus may also cause prostatitis. Prostatitis is the swelling and inflammation of the prostate gland that is located below men's bladders. Prostatitis can cause painful or difficult urination. Other symptoms may also include pain in the groin, pelvic area and flu-like symptoms. It is important to seek medical attention immediately once experiencing one or more of the symptoms. Prostatitis may be treated by taking antibiotics, but left untreated may cause medical complications concerning the prostate.

Diverticulitis

Diverticula are small pouches that form in the lining of the digestive system, generally in the lower part of the large intestine. Although there are a small number of implications, there may be swelling of one or more of the pouches. This may lead to infections and can cause extreme abdominal pain, fever, nausea and irregular bowel movements (Mayo Clinic, 2015). Simply resting and taking antibiotics can treat diverticulitis, although serious cases may require surgery.

Escherichia coli (E. coli)

Escherichia coli, or E. coli is a bacterium that can be found in many warm-blooded animals, which includes, humans, livestock, wildlife and birds (government of Manitoba). Escherichia coli does not usually cause illness by itself, but when it contaminates large numbers, the level of illness raises. E. coli is expelled into the environment via fecal matter. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada (2015), drinking contaminated water or drinking contaminated food may contract E. coli infections. E. coli may also be spread from one person to another. Symptoms may include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and severe stomach cramps. Symptoms may appear anywhere from 3 to 10 days after ingestion of the bacteria.

There has been a study in Manitoba concerning the elevated E. coli numbers in Lake Winnipeg. The Interim Report of the Manitoba Water Stewardship, 2009 explains reasons for elevated Escherichia coli in Lake Winnipeg Beaches (Williamson et al., 2009). The Interim Report shows the correlation of high counts of Escherichia coli in the Lake with large discharge of sewage from the City of Winnipeg, run-offs from livestock operations into Lake Winnipeg. The lake had issued countless amounts of beach advisories to the public once it was noticed that irregular amounts of E. coli was found in the water. Studies had proved that the high number of E. coli in bathing water was partially due to wind-induced water level changes and that the majority of it originated from animal sources as opposed to human activity.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

A Urinary Tract Infection is an infection that involves any part of the urinary system, being the kidneys, urethra, bladder, or ureters. Although women are more susceptible to getting UTI's, men may also develop them. The infection causes pain while urinating, the urge to urinate often, and pelvic pain. UTIs may be caused by Escherichia coli, which as mentioned above, may be found in bodies of water at the time of beach advisories. Generally, UTIs can be treated with antibiotics that are prescribed by a doctor.

Illnesses

Swimmer's itch

Swimmer's itch is a skin condition that occurs to people who partake in open-water activities. Swimmer's itch may happen in any body of water in the world and is not exclusive to one specific region. The condition involves the cercarial dermatitis to penetrate the skin, while dying in the epidermis, causing the itching sensation (Blankespoor et al., 2004). Beach advisories may be put in place if there is an outbreak of swimmer's itch, but its importance in the public health sector is still unknown. Outbreaks and reoccurring beach advisories may influence vacationers to travel elsewhere although its severity is still in question.

Notes

  1. Firmicutes are a phylum of bacteria, in which most have Gram-positive cell wall structure. Many firmicutes are resistant to desiccation and are able to survive extreme conditions.
  2. Taq-man is a chemistry formulation that is used to test the presence of certain bacteria, including enterococcus in large bodies of water.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Urinary tract infection</span> Infection that affects part of the urinary tract

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that affects a part of the urinary tract. When it affects the lower urinary tract it is known as a bladder infection (cystitis) and when it affects the upper urinary tract it is known as a kidney infection (pyelonephritis). Symptoms from a lower urinary tract infection include pain with urination, frequent urination, and feeling the need to urinate despite having an empty bladder. Symptoms of a kidney infection include fever and flank pain usually in addition to the symptoms of a lower UTI. Rarely the urine may appear bloody. In the very old and the very young, symptoms may be vague or non-specific.

<i>Escherichia coli</i> O157:H7 Serotype of the bacteria Escherichia coli

Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a serotype of the bacterial species Escherichia coli and is one of the Shiga-like toxin–producing types of E. coli. It is a cause of disease, typically foodborne illness, through consumption of contaminated and raw food, including raw milk and undercooked ground beef. Infection with this type of pathogenic bacteria may lead to hemorrhagic diarrhea, and to kidney failure; these have been reported to cause the deaths of children younger than five years of age, of elderly patients, and of patients whose immune systems are otherwise compromised.

<i>Enterococcus</i> Genus of bacteria

Enterococcus is a large genus of lactic acid bacteria of the phylum Bacillota. Enterococci are gram-positive cocci that often occur in pairs (diplococci) or short chains, and are difficult to distinguish from streptococci on physical characteristics alone. Two species are common commensal organisms in the intestines of humans: E. faecalis (90–95%) and E. faecium (5–10%). Rare clusters of infections occur with other species, including E. casseliflavus, E. gallinarum, and E. raffinosus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cefazolin</span> Antibiotic medication

Cefazolin, also known as cefazoline and cephazolin, is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used for the treatment of a number of bacterial infections. Specifically it is used to treat cellulitis, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, endocarditis, joint infection, and biliary tract infections. It is also used to prevent group B streptococcal disease around the time of delivery and before surgery. It is typically given by injection into a muscle or vein.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Coliform bacteria</span> Group of bacterial species

Coliform bacteria are defined as either motile or non-motile Gram-negative non-spore forming bacilli that possess β-galactosidase to produce acids and gases under their optimal growth temperature of 35–37 °C. They can be aerobes or facultative aerobes, and are a commonly used indicator of low sanitary quality of foods, milk, and water. Coliforms can be found in the aquatic environment, in soil and on vegetation; they are universally present in large numbers in the feces of warm-blooded animals as they are known to inhabit the gastrointestinal system. While coliform bacteria are not normally causes of serious illness, they are easy to culture, and their presence is used to infer that other pathogenic organisms of fecal origin may be present in a sample, or that said sample is not safe to consume. Such pathogens include disease-causing bacteria, viruses, or protozoa and many multicellular parasites. Every drinking water source must be tested for the presence of these total coliform bacteria.

A fecal coliform is a facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped, gram-negative, non-sporulating bacterium. Coliform bacteria generally originate in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. Fecal coliforms are capable of growth in the presence of bile salts or similar surface agents, are oxidase negative, and produce acid and gas from lactose within 48 hours at 44 ± 0.5°C. The term thermotolerant coliform is more correct and is gaining acceptance over "fecal coliform".

<i>Enterococcus faecalis</i> Species of bacterium

Enterococcus faecalis – formerly classified as part of the group D Streptococcus system – is a Gram-positive, commensal bacterium inhabiting the gastrointestinal tracts of humans. Like other species in the genus Enterococcus, E. faecalis is found in healthy humans and can be used as a probiotic. The probiotic strains such as Symbioflor1 and EF-2001 are characterized by the lack of specific genes related to drug resistance and pathogenesis. As an opportunistic pathogen, E. faecalis can cause life-threatening infections, especially in the nosocomial (hospital) environment, where the naturally high levels of antibiotic resistance found in E. faecalis contribute to its pathogenicity. E. faecalis has been frequently found in reinfected, root canal-treated teeth in prevalence values ranging from 30% to 90% of the cases. Re-infected root canal-treated teeth are about nine times more likely to harbor E. faecalis than cases of primary infections.

Indicator bacteria are types of bacteria used to detect and estimate the level of fecal contamination of water. They are not dangerous to human health but are used to indicate the presence of a health risk.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Acute prostatitis</span> Serious bacterial infection of the prostate gland

Acute prostatitis is a serious bacterial infection of the prostate gland. This infection is a medical emergency. It should be distinguished from other forms of prostatitis such as chronic bacterial prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS).

Enterococcus faecium is a Gram-positive, gamma-hemolytic or non-hemolytic bacterium in the genus Enterococcus. It can be commensal in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals, but it may also be pathogenic, causing diseases such as neonatal meningitis or endocarditis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pathogenic bacteria</span> Disease-causing bacteria

Pathogenic bacteria are bacteria that can cause disease. This article focuses on the bacteria that are pathogenic to humans. Most species of bacteria are harmless and are often beneficial but others can cause infectious diseases. The number of these pathogenic species in humans is estimated to be fewer than a hundred. By contrast, several thousand species are part of the gut flora present in the digestive tract.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Staphylococcal infection</span> Medical condition

A staphylococcal infection or staph infection is an infection caused by members of the Staphylococcus genus of bacteria.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chronic bacterial prostatitis</span> Bacterial infection of the prostate gland

Chronic bacterial prostatitis is a bacterial infection of the prostate gland. It should be distinguished from other forms of prostatitis such as acute bacterial prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aquarium granuloma</span> Medical condition

Aquarium granuloma is a rare skin condition caused by a non-tubercular mycobacterium known as Mycobacterium marinum. Skin infections with M. marinum in humans are relatively uncommon, and are usually acquired from contact with contaminated swimming pools, aquariums or infected fish.

Perianal cellulitis, also known as perianitis or perianal streptococcal dermatitis, is a bacterial infection affecting the lower layers of the skin (cellulitis) around the anus. It presents as bright redness in the skin and can be accompanied by pain, difficulty defecating, itching, and bleeding. This disease is considered a complicated skin and soft tissue infection (cSSTI) because of the involvement of the deeper soft tissues.

Anaerobic infections are caused by anaerobic bacteria. Obligately anaerobic bacteria do not grow on solid media in room air ; facultatively anaerobic bacteria can grow in the presence or absence of air. Microaerophilic bacteria do not grow at all aerobically or grow poorly, but grow better under 10% carbon dioxide or anaerobically. Anaerobic bacteria can be divided into strict anaerobes that can not grow in the presence of more than 0.5% oxygen and moderate anaerobic bacteria that are able of growing between 2 and 8% oxygen. Anaerobic bacteria usually do not possess catalase, but some can generate superoxide dismutase which protects them from oxygen.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Otitis externa</span> Inflammation of the ear canal

Otitis externa, also called swimmer's ear, is inflammation of the ear canal. It often presents with ear pain, swelling of the ear canal, and occasionally decreased hearing. Typically there is pain with movement of the outer ear. A high fever is typically not present except in severe cases.

Escherichia coli O104:H4 is an enteroaggregative Escherichia coli strain of the bacterium Escherichia coli, and the cause of the 2011 Escherichia coli O104:H4 outbreak. The "O" in the serological classification identifies the cell wall lipopolysaccharide antigen, and the "H" identifies the flagella antigen.

Pathogenic <i>Escherichia coli</i> Strains of E. coli that can cause disease

Escherichia coli is a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that is commonly found in the lower intestine of warm-blooded organisms (endotherms). Most E. coli strains are harmless, but pathogenic varieties cause serious food poisoning, septic shock, meningitis, or urinary tract infections in humans. Unlike normal flora E. coli, the pathogenic varieties produce toxins and other virulence factors that enable them to reside in parts of the body normally not inhabited by E. coli, and to damage host cells. These pathogenic traits are encoded by virulence genes carried only by the pathogens.

Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli are a pathotype of Escherichia coli which cause acute and chronic diarrhea in both the developed and developing world. They may also cause urinary tract infections. EAEC are defined by their "stacked-brick" pattern of adhesion to the human laryngeal epithelial cell line HEp-2. The pathogenesis of EAEC involves the aggregation of and adherence of the bacteria to the intestinal mucosa, where they elaborate enterotoxins and cytotoxins that damage host cells and induce inflammation that results in diarrhea.

References

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  2. "Beach Swimming Advisories". coastalgadnr.org/. Georgia Department of Natural Resources Coastal Division. Archived from the original on 2 November 2014. Retrieved 2 November 2014.
  3. 1 2 3 "Swimming advisory lifted at Daytona Beach approaches". News 13. Daytona Beach, Florida, USA. Jan 5, 2015. Retrieved Jan 14, 2015.
  4. 1 2 "Beach Advisories". publichealth.lacounty.gov/. County of Los Angeles Public Health. Retrieved 2 November 2014.
  5. Review of potential modeling tools and approaches to support the beach program. DIANE Publishing. pp. xiv–xvi. ISBN   978-1-4289-0592-4.

Bush, M. Larry, & Perez, T. Maria. (2013). Enterococcus Infections. Merck Manual, Professional Version. Retrieved from http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/gram-positive-cocci/enterococcal-infections

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2015, February 11). Diseases and Conditions. [Website]. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cellulitis/basics/definition/con-20023471

Public Health Agency of Canada. (2015). E. Coli. Retrieved from http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/fs-sa/fs-fi/ecoli-eng.php

Santo, D. J. W., Siefring, S. C., & Haugland, R. A. (January 1, 2003). Real-time PCR method to detect Enterococcus faecalis in water. Biotechnology Letters, 25, 3, 261–5.

S J Corbett, G L Rubin, G K Curry, and D G Kleinbaum. The health effects of swimming at Sydney beaches. The Sydney Beach Users Study Advisory Group. American Journal of Public Health, December 1993: Vol. 83, No. 12, pp. 1701-1706.

doi : 10.2105/AJPH.83.12.170

Tandon, P., Chhibber, S., & Reed, R. H. (January 1, 2007). Survival & detection of the faecal indicator bacterium Enterococcus faecalis in water stored in traditional vessels. The Indian Journal of Medical Research, 125, 4, 557–566.

Verbrugge, L. M., Rainey, J. J., Reimink, R. L., & Blankespoor, H. D. (January 1, 2004). Prospective study of swimmer's itch incidence and severity. The Journal of Parasitology, 90, 4, 697–704.

Williamson, D. A., & Manitoba. (2004). Principal factors affecting Escherichia coli at Lake Winnipeg beaches, Manitoba, Canada: Interim report. Winnipeg: Manitoba Water Stewardship.