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Health officials issue advisory for four Hillsborough beaches

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Health officials have issued an advisory for four Hillsborough County beaches after water samples revealed dangerous levels of bacteria.

The advisory affects Ben T. Davis Beach, Cypress Point, Picnic Island, and Simmons Park. Water samples taken Monday at each of those beaches revealed levels of enterococci bacteria beyond the threshold of what is considered safe, officials said.

The bacteria are the result of fecal pollution from storm water runoff and animal and human waste. Exposure to the bacteria can cause disease, infections and rashes.

The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County is urging the public to avoid the water at the affected beaches until further sampling reveals normal bacteria levels.

Source: Tampa Bay Times