In Massachusetts, officials have shut down 42 beaches because of high levels of bacteria found in the water. This action was taken to keep people safe from getting sick. Most of the closed beaches, 36 in total, had too much bacteria.
The other six had issues with harmful cyanobacteria blooms and other concerns.
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Massachusetts Acts Quickly to Close Beaches
The beaches affected range from Great Barrington in the west to Boston and Quincy in the east, and even include some on Cape Cod and the Islands. In Boston, Constitution Beach in East Boston and Tenean and Malibu beaches in Dorchester were closed.
In Quincy, four parts of Wollaston Beach were also shut down due to bacteria concerns.
As reported by Mass Live, in the geographical area of Cape Cod, Clipper Lake in Dennis and Washington Street Beach in Nantucket Island were also shut down due to the same concern. Also, Miacomet Pond in Nantucket needed to be shut down due to the appearance of cyanobacteria.
The state prepares a water quality report on approximately 1,100 beaches in Massachusetts and displays updated results on a web map twice a day. Although swimming in these places is prohibited, people can engage in other activities safely.
Officials in Massachusetts are urging everyone to stay out of the water at these beaches to avoid health risks. The situation is being closely monitored, and the beaches will reopen once the water is safe again.
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Beach Closures Linked to Health Risks
Officials have noticed that beach closures are often due to high bacteria levels in the water after heavy rain. Rain can carry bacteria and other harmful substances from the land into the water. When this happens, the bacteria can grow very quickly and reach levels that are unsafe for people.
According to Patch, in the given case, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health authorities stated that water splashes entail various health issues. Some of the symptoms that are associated with exposure include stomach upsets, for example, vomiting and loose bowels, and respiratory upsets.
Aside from that, a person can also cough and sneeze, have skin reactions, such as rashes, and experience irritation of the eyes and ears. Some patients might feel flu-like symptoms, high fever, and chills.
Despite the fact that these symptoms can be mild most of the time, they can, at times, lead to further complications in health. This is particularly important for children, seniors, and everyone with a compromised immune system. They may also get sicker from these bacteria than other people.
The report also revealed that to prevent these health risks, Massachusetts often decides to close beaches temporarily after it rains. This action is taken to ensure that everyone who visits the beaches can stay safe and healthy.
The state continues to monitor the water quality and will reopen the beaches when they believe it is safe to swim again.
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