Stony Brook beach closed to swimming due to bacteria, officials say

A Stony Brook beach has been closed to swimming due to high levels of bacteria, the Suffolk health department said Wednesday.

West Meadow Beach has been closed because of a "finding of bacteria at levels in excess of acceptable criteria," a department news release said.

Suffolk County Commissioner of Health Dr. Gregson Pigott said in the release that swimming in bacteria-contaminated water can cause gastrointestinal illness, and infections of the eyes, ears, nose, and throat.

The beach will reopen once testing shows the bacteria level has subsided to acceptable levels, the department said.

For information on affected beaches, call the Bathing Beach HOTLINE at 852-5822 or contact the department's Office of Ecology at 852-5760 during normal business hours.