E. coli found in Yucatán cenotes; officials urge hygiene measures

Community monitoring in Yucatán detected the fecal indicator bacterium Escherichia coli in the cenote U Ch’e’en Cháak on 3 June and again in the cenote Becal on 7 June. The tests were part of a project led by The Nature Conservancy Mexico with local water guardians, and they signal possible contamination from sewage or septic runoff, posing a health risk to swimmers and tourists.

The state Secretariat of Health of Yucatán has responded by warning visitors to use the cenotes at their own risk and to avoid ingesting the water. It also launched a broader public‑health campaign for the vacation season, urging simple hygiene steps such as hand washing with soap, drinking only treated water, cleaning fruits and vegetables, fully cooking meats and seafood, and proper waste disposal. The department advises immediate use of oral rehydration solution and medical attention for severe diarrhoea, while warning against self‑medication, especially with antibiotics.