Cove Road Beach closed due to high bacteria levels
A popular local river beach is closed, due to elevated bacteria levels. The Wicomico County Health Department says Cove Road Beach is now closed, because of increased bacteria levels.
Officials say this typically happens after extended periods of heavy rainfall. The water will reportedly be re-sampled on Monday, to figure out if it can be reopened for swimming.
According to the report, those with weakened immune systems, along with children, the elderly, and pregnant women could get sickened from swimming in the contaminated water, and risk becoming seriously ill from exposure to waterborne illnesses.
Health Officials say contaminated water can cause a wide range of symptoms and diseases including, ear, nose, and eye infections to diarrhea, vomiting, hepatitis, encephalitis, skin rashes, and respiratory illnesses.
The Health Department provided the following tips to stay safe·
- Pay attention to contamination and advisory warnings and stay out of polluted water.
- Avoid swimming at beaches after heavy rainfall.
- Stay out of murky or foul-smelling water.
- Avoid beach water if you have an open wound or infection.
- Swim without putting your head under water.
Those looking to still stay cool this weekend on the river, can still visit Roaring Point Beach, which reportedly does not have elevated bacteria levels, and has been approved for swimming.
Questions should be directed to the Department of Environmental Health at (410) 546-4446 or visit the Wicomico County Health Department’s website.
