4 Los Angeles County beaches remain under high bacteria warning as bacteria levels rise
As Los Angeles County continues its efforts to battle a health advisory issued early Wednesday hours after the deadly earthquake struck in Haiti, a study suggests bacteria levels were far higher on beaches than reported.
L.A. County officials announced Wednesday night that a report by the county’s Department of Beaches on bacteria levels from public beaches was released last week. Officials said the department received a complaint from the public that bacteria levels were higher than they expected.
Department of Beaches officials said bacteria levels were at the highest levels the department had ever recorded.
Since the outbreak on the beaches began on June 11, bacteria levels have continued to rise, with the levels in some areas reaching alarming levels.
In a statement issued hours after the earthquake, officials said they believe increased bacteria levels from L.A. County beaches resulted in an increase in illness and the number of visitors who contracted the disease.
According to officials, an analysis of bacteria samples taken over the course of the week showed bacteria levels had exceeded the health advisory set forth by L.A. County’s Office of Environmental Health.
Officials said that the bacteria levels recorded were comparable to levels on beaches in other parts of the country.
“We have made progress in addressing the problem, but we still have significant work ahead to reduce the bacteria levels,” Supervisor Sheila Kuehl said in the statement, which was issued Wednesday night.
The county’s Office of Environmental Health has begun testing samples of bacteria collected from beaches and public swimming pools with the county’s Health Department to determine the source of the outbreak.
Officials said public health officials have made great strides in addressing the situation, and that more study is needed to determine the extent of the contamination.
“We are pleased that the level of contamination has improved,” said County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich. “More study needs to be done to identify the source of the problem. We will continue to work to protect the health and well-being of the public, as well as seek out possible solutions.”
County environmental health officials said that the county’s beaches have been closed to swimmers and day-use because of the levels of bacteria. They said health advisories have been issued for areas near Ladera Ranch, Indian Wells Sh