Due to this reason, Rui Lampreia noted that red flags have been raised at that beach.
Meanwhile, he explained that new water analyses must be conducted in order to lift this ban.
In information released to beachgoers, the Regional Health Delegate for the North, Gustavo Tato Borges, emphasized that swimming was prohibited because the latest analyses of the sea/river water quality revealed the presence of pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli and intestinal enterococcus).
These bacteria may cause gastroenteritis (diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and fever) among swimmers and endanger their health, making it “imperative to prohibit the use of water for bathing purposes,” he added.
The Health Delegate pointed out that Escherichia coli is a bacterium present in human or animal feces.
Intestinal enterococcus are fecal-origin bacteria, meaning they are present in human or animal feces, suggesting fecal contamination in sea water and posing a health risk, he further specified.
