Hawaiian Health Officials Say Swimming at Certain Beaches Could Get You Sick

Health authorities in Hawaii issued a bacteria advisory that says swimming in the water off certain beaches could get travelers sick.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Hawaii State Department of Health officials revealed there were high levels of enterococci that indicate water contamination and the presence of harmful microorganisms.

The advisory was issued for Kuhio Beach in Waikiki and the Diamond Head side of Ala Moana Beach Park. Monitoring of the water near Kuhio Beach revealed levels of 945 per 100 milliliters of enterococci, while Ala Moana had levels of 164 per 100 milliliters.

“Swimming at beaches with pollution in the water may make you ill,” the Health Department told SFGate.com. “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.”

Health officials said that minor illnesses associated with swimming in waters possibly polluted include ear, eye, nose and throat infections. The advisories posted at both beaches said the warning will remain in effect until the enterococci levels drop.