Several states have closed beaches to swimmers due to high bacteria levels in the water. Massachusetts shut down 37 beaches due to enterococci, a fecal bacteria that can cause urinary tract infections, blood infections, and endocarditis. Additionally, two Massachusetts beaches were closed because of cyanobacteria, which can produce toxins causing symptoms like headaches, stomach pain, and skin irritation.
California closed three beaches in Coronado because of sewage or chemical spills, while New York's Suffolk County advised against swimming at 63 beaches after heavy rainfall increased bacteria levels. Heavy rains and sewage system overflows can lead to such bacterial contamination.
Health officials recommend avoiding swimming in discolored or foul-smelling water and staying away from areas with visible drainage pipes. They emphasize the importance of preventing illness by staying out of contaminated water.
SOURCE:
ABC News, July 1, 2024