The Florida Department of Health in Brevard County is advising people to stay out of the water at Sebastian Inlet North State Park, at 9700 S. Highway A1A in Melbourne Beach, after routine testing found high levels of bacteria. First reported by WFTV.

DOH-Brevard issued the water quality health advisory on Friday, Oct. 30. Samples tested Oct. 28 did not meet the state's recommended recreational water quality standard for enterococcus bacteria, according to the department, which says swimming and other water activities there carry an increased risk of illness.

The advisory stays in place until testing shows bacteria levels back within the accepted range. The department did not give an estimated end date.

What it means for Brevard beachgoers

Sebastian Inlet North is one of six coastal sites DOH-Brevard routinely samples for enterococcus, along with Jetty Park, Cocoa Beach Pier, Pelican Beach Park, Paradise Beach Park and Spessard Holland North, according to the department's Healthy Beaches program page. The department says enterococcus is an indicator of fecal pollution, which can come from stormwater runoff, pets, wildlife or sewage.

Beachgoers can check the latest results on the state's Florida Healthy Beaches site. Questions go to DOH-Brevard Communications at DOH-Brevard.Communications@FLHealth.gov, according to the department.

The Space Coast Wire will update this story when the advisory is lifted.