According to Commissioner of Health James Tomarken, MD, MPH, bathing in bacteria-contaminated water can result in gastrointestinal illness, as well as infections of the eyes, ears, nose and throat.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has confirmed cyanobacteria blooms in Lake Maratooka in Mattituck, Lake Agawam in Southampton and Big Reed Pond in Montauk. Due to the finding of high levels of toxic cyanobacteria, more commonly known as blue–green algae, health officials ask residents not to use or swim or wade in these waters and to keep their pets and children away from the area.

The Suffolk County Department of Public Works’ Division of Vector Control plans to treat parts of the following salt marshes by helicopter to control mosquito larvae.  Should weather conditions prevent completion of the work, it will be continued the next suitable day.

Dr. James Tomarken, Commissioner of the Suffolk County Department of Health Services, has issued an advisory against bathing at 49 beaches. (See list below.) The advisory is based on the potential that the presence of bacteria at levels that exceed New York State standards will impact these areas.

County Executive Steve Bellone and Commissioner of Health Services James Tomarken announced today the activation of the West Nile hotline as part of a continuing effort to detect and prevent the spread of West Nile virus in the county. West Nile virus infects birds and is spread to humans by mosquitoes that feed on infected birds and then humans.