In may be safer to go in the water than sun bathe on South Beach these days.

Miami-Dade Health Department officials confirmed Thursday the invasion of hookworms on Miami Beach. The nasty parasites have infected as many as 15 beach goers in the past week.

Officials think cats are to blame for the outbreak. Cat poop, where hookworms love to live, has been found up and down the beach area between 50th and 65th streets.

Officials don't think the hookworms have made it to the actual beach sand, although they are not 100 percent sure.

Hookworms are real blood suckers. They usually live in cats and dogs, but can penetrate human skin and set up shop in tissue before migrating to a victim's stomach and small intestines.

That can lead to vomiting, stomach pains and the parasites can really do damage to pregnant mothers and their unborn children.

For now, keep your sandals on when you go to the beach.