Health & Fitness

Bacteria Scare Closes Beach In Islip: SC Health Dept.

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

Jade Eckardt's profile picture
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)

ISLIP, NY — A Long Island beach has been closed for swimming, the Suffolk County Health Department announced on Friday.

Ronkonkoma Beach in the Town of Islip is 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.

Find out what's happening in East Islipfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The beach 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 East Islipfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from East Islip