These 4 Massachusetts Beaches Have Just Been Put On Advisory Due To Dangerous Bacteria
Sophia
Author
Several beaches in Massachusetts have been placed on advisory following the discovery of dangerous bacteria in the water.
Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae due to the effect they have on the color of water, are tiny bacteria that produce a poisonous substance called cyanotoxin. When humans are exposed to cyanotoxin, they may develop an array of symptoms that range from mild to severe.
Signs of cyanobacteria poisoning include stomach pain, skin irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, headache, muscle pain, mouth blistering, allergic reactions, and liver damage.
Cyanobacterial bloom has been reported in the following freshwater bodies of water. You should avoid these spots until further notice:
- Long Pond Marstons Mills, Barnstable
- Lovells Pond, Barnstable
- Santuit Pond, Mashpee
- Shubael Pond, Barnstable
Officials recommend that locals and visitors abstain from all swimming, boating, and wading activity at the above beaches until the advisories are lifted. Coming into contact with cyanobacteria on the skin or through ingestion can lead to adverse symptoms.
To make sure you are not accidentally exposed to any dangerous swimming conditions, always avoid swimming or boating in any water that has an unusually vidid green or blue hue. You should also report any unusual colors or smells to your local town officials so that they can commence water testing.
Please note that these reports were accurate as of July 17, 2019. Water quality is constantly in flux and advisories may have changed since the date of publishing. Always defer to the most recent reports from town officials and environmental agencies.
For more information about current algal blooms and cyanobactieral activity in Massachusetts, click here.
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