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Swimming Advisory Still In Effect For Southern Dare County

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RALEIGH, N.C. — State environmental health officials confirmed Wednesday that bacterialevels at ocean beaches in Dare County -- from Kill Devil Hills to NagsHead -- exceed recreational water-quality swimming standards.

Based on test results, the precautionary swimming advisory put in place Sept. 19 remains ineffect.

Enterococcus, the organism used for testing, is found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. Although the organism does not cause illness itself, scientific studies indicate that its presence is closely correlated to the presence of other disease-causing organisms.

People swimming or playing in waters with bacteria levels higher than the standard have an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal illness.

State officials said they will continue testing the sites. When bacteria levels fall below the standards for recreational water quality, the advisory will be lifted.

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