Tourists were warned to avoid a beach in Tenerife after more dangerous bacteria were found in the seawater.
Local authorities in Costa Adeje closed La Pinta Beach after they discovered “enterococci 310 short-duration” bacteria in seawater samples.
The bacteria are found naturally in the intestines of both humans and animals but can cause unpleasant illnesses when ingested externally.
Exposure to contaminated water can lead to infections of the skin, eyes, respiratory system, and, in some cases, urinary and gastrointestinal infections.
Local officials from Adele’s council strongly advised people to avoid swinging in the area.
In a Facebook statement, they wrote: “In the interests of public safety, Adeje Town Hall has ordered a temporary closure of the La Pinta beach, following the detection of the presence of bacteria.
“This was as a result of the regular daily analysis of the water that the council carries out as a matter of course.
“Bathing is strongly discouraged. Any changes will be reported in the next few hours.”
Tourists took to social media to discuss the problem and to offer tips to one another on how to stay safe.
One wrote: “Same as in Lanzarote. Probably due to the rain that fell, some sewers may have overflowed in the water.”
While another said: “I swam there yesterday and saw the water was contaminated.
“Top tip…. Keep your head out of the water kids.”
The beach closure follows a similar move by officials in Lanzarote after E.coli bacteria were detected in seawater samples at a popular beach.
Los Pocillos Beach in the resort town of Puerto del Carmen was temporarily closed in a move to protect the public.
The decision to close the beach was taken on Tuesday at noon after samples taken by the Health Department on Monday tested positive for E.coli.
The local Tias Town Hall said in a statement: “As a precaution, due to the high levels that have been detected and according to the regulations, swimming has been prohibited.”