Health & Fitness

Bacteria Scare Closes 3 Babylon Beaches: Health Dept.

Suffolk County health officials have closed 62 Long Island beaches for bathing due to excessive bacterial contamination.

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Jade Eckardt, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
Officials said that swimming in bacteria-contaminated water can result in gastrointestinal illness, as well as infections of the eyes, ears, nose and throat.
Officials said that swimming in bacteria-contaminated water can result in gastrointestinal illness, as well as infections of the eyes, ears, nose and throat. (Scott Anderson/Patch)

TOWN OF BABYLON, NY — Three beaches in the Town of Babylon are some of 62 closed for swimming on Long Island, the Suffolk County Health Department announced on Friday.

Amityville Village Beach, Tanner Park in Copiague and Venetian Shores Beach in West Babylon are closed to bathing due to the finding of bacteria at levels in excess of acceptable criteria, officials said in a statement.

According to Suffolk County Commissioner of Health Dr. Gregson Pigott, bathing in bacteria-contaminated water can result in gastrointestinal illness, as well as infections of the eyes, ears, nose and throat.

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The beaches will reopen when further testing reveals that the bacteria have subsided to acceptable levels.

Officials said anyone interested in beach updates may call the Bathing Beach HOTLINE at 631-852-5822 or contact the Department's Office of Ecology at 631-852-5760 during normal business hours.

Find out what's happening in Deer Park-North Babylonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

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