This week, the São Paulo coast is facing health concerns as the Environmental Company of the State of São Paulo (CETESB) reported that 43 beaches are considered unsuitable for bathing due to high levels of bacteria. The analysis, which is performed weekly and updated every Thursday, assesses the presence of bacteria in water samples to determine the bathing suitability of beaches. If more than 100 colonies of bacteria are detected per 100 milliliters of water, the beach is marked unsafe and flagged with a red flag to alert visitors.

The beaches listed as unsuitable for bathing include popular spots like Picinguaba, Itamambuca, and Fortaleza, among others. These findings are crucial for public health as swimming in contaminated waters can pose serious health risks to bathers. CETESB emphasizes the importance of heeding these warnings, as swimming in unsafe waters can lead to various health issues, particularly gastroenteritis and skin infections.

The next report is expected to provide updates on the safety levels of these beaches on March 26. This continuing monitoring effort highlights the ongoing need for environmental protection and water quality management at one of Brazil's most visited coastal regions.