WESTFORD — Sandy Beach in Westford has been closed to swimmers after high levels of E. coli bacteria were found in the water, the Westford Health Department announced on Thursday.
Health officials said E. coli bacteria counts above the recreational water limit of 235/100 ml were found in the water at Sandy Beach, which is located at the end of Elm Road.
Swimming in water with high levels of E. coli may cause illness, health officials said, as the bacteria can enter the body of swimmers in contaminated lakes, ponds, streams and pools.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), E. coli, which is the shortened form of Escherichia coli, are “bacteria found in many places, including in the environment, foods, water, and the intestines of people and animals.”
“Most E. coli are harmless and are part of a healthy intestinal tract,” the CDC said. “E. coli help us digest food, produce vitamins, and protect us from harmful germs. But some E. coli can make people sick with diarrhea, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, sepsis, and other illnesses.”
The CDC said the people most susceptible to E. coli infection are children younger than five, adults 65 and older, people with weakened immune systems and international travelers.
Symptoms of E. coli include “diarrhea that can be bloody or watery, stomach cramps that can be severe, and some people also have vomiting or a low fever,” the CDC said.
According to the Mayo Clinic, “no current treatments can cure (E. coli) infection, relieve symptoms or prevent complications.” For people infected with the bacteria, the most common treatments include getting lots of rest and drinking lots of fluids to prevent dehydration and fatigue.
It is not unknown if there have been any cases of E. coli infection in Westford as a result of swimming at Sandy Beach. It is also unknown when the beach will reopen to the public.
CORRECTION
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