Enterococcus is usually from a human source. Georgia already tests for both types of bacteria weekly at 11 stations on the state's public beaches, including Tybee and Jekyll islands, said Stuart Stevens, chief of ecological services for the Coastal Resources Division of the Department of Natural Resources. But some scientists say testing for bacteria is not enough anymore to ensure the health and safety of vacationing beach-goers. States should be testing for viruses as well, said Joan Rose, a microbiologist with the University of South Florida. Rose has been involved in several studies about beach contamination in Florida.
Human viruses make their way into beach water from a variety of sources.
In Florida, millions of septic systems leak into canals and other swimming spots, Rose said. Georgia does not have any known beach-front septic systems left, Stevens said. But viruses can make their way to beaches from overflowing sewers or other sources upstream along rivers that eventually make their way to the sea. Some viruses in coastal Florida waters are linked with heart diseases, diabetes, meningitis and hepatitis. Most people who come in contract with viruses do not become extremely ill, Rose said.