After a warning was issued that St George’s Bay in St Julian’s was contaminated by E. Coli and I. Enterococci, a similar warning was issued for part of Balluta Bay.
According to the Bathing Water Directive, the Environmental Health Directorate of the Superintendence of Public Health has issued a notification advising against bathing until further notice.
Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) are actively investigating to identify the source of contamination. However, the duration of this contamination remains uncertain at this stage.
Infections caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria can result in severe, bloody diarrhea. In addition, they may lead to urinary tract infections, pneumonia, meningitis, bacteremia (a bacterial infection in the bloodstream), or sepsis (a life-threatening systemic reaction to bacteremia).
Meanwhile, Enterococci are capable of causing urinary tract infections (UTIs), bacteremia, infective endocarditis (IE), meningitis, intra-abdominal infections, and wound infections. Strains that are resistant to antibiotics may necessitate extended treatment courses.
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