Copiague Harbor Beach closed due to high bacteria levels

Copiague Harbor Beach has been closed to bathing after higher-than-acceptable bacterial levels were found, according to the Suffolk County health department.

The beach is located in an area that does not get much tidal flushing, a spokeswoman explained.

Bathing in such contaminated water "can result in gastrointestinal illness, as well as infections of the eyes, ears, nose, and throat," said Dr. James Tomarken, Suffolk health commissioner.

For information on affected beaches, see suffolkcountyny.gov/health.