High bacteria levels shut two Suffolk County beaches

Two Suffolk County beaches are closed to bathing due to the finding of bacteria at levels "in excess of acceptable criteria," the Suffolk County commissioner of health said in a news release Friday.

The beaches, West Islip Beach in West Islip and Benjamin Beach in Bay Shore, will reopen when further testing reveals that the bacteria have subsided to acceptable levels, the release said.

Bathing in bacteria-contaminated water can result in gastrointestinal illness, as well as infections of the eyes, ears, nose and throat, the release said.

For the latest information on affected beaches, call the Bathing Beach hotline at 631-852-5822. 

By Deborah S. Morris

deborah.morris@newsday.comdsvmorris

Deborah Morris is a native Long Islander and covers the town of Huntington.