More than 30 beaches in Massachusetts were forced to close on Saturday due to high levels of bacteria in the water, making it impossible for swimmers to brave the heat.
The closures extend across the state, from West Stockbridge to Boston and the Cape, the state dashboard.
Most were closed due to an excess of bacteria or a harmful bloom of cyanobacteria. In 29 cases, the cause was a bacterial growth.
“If a beach is closed, you should not swim or enter the water there to prevent the risk of disease,” the dashboard said.
According to the state, there are approximately 1,100 public and semi-public beaches under state control. Mass Live.
Even though swimming is not allowed, beachgoers can still enjoy the sandy oasis, as long as they don’t step into the water.
More than 30 beaches in Massachusetts were forced to close on Saturday due to high levels of bacteria in the water, making it dangerous for swimmers to brave the heat
The closures extend across the state, from West Stockbridge to Boston and the Cape (pictured: Cape Cod Beach)
According to the researchers, those at risk of swimming may experience gastrointestinal symptoms, diarrhea and vomiting. National Institute of Public Health (NIH).
Many waterborne pathogens come from human and animal feces. For this reason, the NIH advises against using toilets that contain water. Children and animal feces should also be kept away.
Algae can also infect the water.
“If there are concerns about the bacteria or other hazards, focus on other activities,” Dr. Dwayne Porter of the University of South Carolina told NIH.
Dangerous bacteria can also lead to fatal sepsis, coma, amputation of limbs and death in the worst cases.
Most were closed due to an excess of bacteria or a harmful bloom of cyanobacteria, and 29 due to bacteria alone (pictured: Clarksburg Lake)
People at risk of swimming may experience gastrointestinal complaints, diarrhea and vomiting (Photo: Rutland Beach)
Dangerous bacteria can also lead to fatal sepsis, coma, amputation of limbs and death in the worst cases. (Pictured: stock photo of cyanobacteria in water)
Over the past year, the deadly flesh-eating bacteria Vibrio vulnificus has been found on beaches up and down the East Coast; off Long Island in Connecticut, on beaches and at shellfish restaurants in Florida, and many more.
This is because rising global temperatures, which also increase water temperatures, have created a more favorable environment for harmful bacteria, such as vibrio and Staphylococcus aureus, to survive longer in places where they previously could not live.
Massachusetts is the latest state where bacteria levels are so high that beaches are being closed on a large scale.
Earlier this week, several beaches in San Diego County were closed for the same reason.
And just last week, more than 100 beaches across the United States were closed.
In addition to California, the coastlines of Michigan and New York were also hit.