Bacteria levels prompt beach closures over Fourth of July weekend

(NewsNation) — High levels of bacteria are prompting beach closures and public health advisories across the U.S. ahead of the Fourth of July weekend.

Public health officials are warning holiday goers to avoid swimming in bodies of water containing high levels of the bacteria Vibrio and E. coli, which can cause illness.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Vibrio is a bacterium found predominantly in coastal waters. When it is consumed or comes in contact with an open wound, it can cause a human illness called vibriosis, which can become life-threatening.

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Similar to infections caused by E. coli, symptoms of vibriosis can include stomach cramps, diarrhea and fever and vomiting.

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Advisories have been issued for a handful of states, including Illinois, New York, California, Washington, Massachusetts and Michigan.

Public health officials are encouraging anyone venturing into or onto bodies of water to first check with local government websites and to abide by any closures that are in place.

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