Beachgoers are being warned to check local water-quality advisories before swimming this summer as elevated bacteria levels have prompted beach closures and health alerts in multiple states, including Iowa, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Washington.
Beach Closures and Health Alerts
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has warned people that swimming is not recommended at several beaches due to elevated E. coli levels. E. coli is normally harmless but certain strains can cause serious health problems, especially for the very young, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems.
In Massachusetts, several beaches have been closed to swimming this month due to high bacteria levels, toxic blue-green algae, and other concerns. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health maintains an Interactive Beach Water Quality Dashboard with data updated hourly throughout the beach season.
In Washington state, the official beach advisory map cautions that increased levels of bacteria are present and a swimming advisory is issued by a local health department at several beaches and parks.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
