(BIVN) – Staph bacteria is being studied along Hawaii Island shores.

On October 3rd, the Hawaii County Council Environmental Management committee heard a presentation on rainfall driven shifts in Staphylococcus in Hilo Bay, where reports of infection seem to be on the rise.

Researchers Louise Economy and Tracy Wiegner said they found the bacteria in soil, sand, wastewater, and urban runoff. The tested locations in Hilo Bay near the mouths of the Wailuku and Wailoa Rivers. Beachgoers are four times more likely to develop Staphylococcus aureus skin infections than someone who does not go to the beach, they said.