California residents told to avoid swimming in 'bacteria-infested' ocean as 12 beaches are deemed dangerous by department of public health

Residents of Los Angeles county have been advised not to swim or engage in water-based activities in the 'bacteria-infested' waters at 12 different beaches, even though they are not closed to the public.

The L.A. County Department of Health issued warnings about the high level of bacteria that has been detected in the water until they have given proper clearance.

'These warnings have been issued due to bacterial levels exceeding health standards when last tested,' the department said

Although the department has not specified what kind of bacteria has contaminated the water, Newsweek reports that no-swim warnings are often issued due to high levels of enterococcus, a drug-resistant strain of bacteria.

The advisories in place pertain to several beaches across southern California.

In Malibu, the swimming area near the public restrooms at Leo Carrillo State Beach has an advisory. At Latigo Shore Drive, the area up and down the coast from the public access steps is also under watch.

While the Malibu Pier is open, the area 100 yards up and down the coast from the pier should be avoided.  

The entire swim area of Las Flores Creek at Las Flores State Beach in Malibu has an advisory.

The Santa Monica Pier is open, but the area 100 yards up and down the coast from the pier carries a warning.

In Pedro, the entire swim area at Inner Cabrillo Beach has a swimming advisory.  

For Puerco Beach, the area near the public access steps at Marie Canyon Storm may be contaminated, as is the area near the Puerco Canyon Storm Drain.

The entire swim area at the Sweetwater Canyon Storm Drain at Carbon Canyon Beach has a swimming advisory, as well as Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach.

The area around the public restrooms at Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach have a swim warning.  

At Will Rogers State Park beach near Tower 18, the swimming area at Santa Monica Canyon Creek that leads into the ocean also has an advisory.

Enteroccoci live in the intestinal tracts of warm-blooded animals, including humans, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. High levels of enterococci indicate that fecal matter is preset.

Wastewater discharged from recreational boats, septic tank leaks, stormwater runoff, domestic animal and wildlife waste and wastewater treatment plant effluent can all contaminate lake basins.

Enterococcus is often the cause of a range of illnesses, including urinary tract infections, bacteremia, wound infections, and infective endocarditis. If left untreated, these ailments can worsen and become serious.