TYBEE ISLAND — The Chatham County Health Department has placed a beach on Tybee Island under advisory after tests showed a high bacteria count.

The Savannah Morning News reports (http://bit.ly/qWWBlq ) department spokeswoman Sally Silbermann says the advisory area covers the northernmost part of the island at the mouth of the Savannah River from the end of Polk Street beach to the jetty.

Silbermann said Wednesday tests from samples taken Tuesday show water in the area contains a high level of enterococci bacteria, which increase the risk of gastrointestinal illness in swimmers.

The department advises against swimming or wading in the area. It says fish caught there should be washed with fresh water and thoroughly cooked before eating.

Tybee's Strand Beach was placed under a similar advisory last week. That advisory was lifted Friday.