COVE ROAD BEACH ADVISORY LIFTED

(Salisbury, MD) – The Advisory for Cove Road Beach, located in Bivalve, MD, has been lifted. The Wicomico County Health Department sampled the beach on Monday, August 22nd. Results received today indicate that the bacteria levels have decreased and are within the limits established by the Maryland Department of the Environment.

Beachgoers are reminded to avoid swimming and other water contact activities after heavy rain events. Exposure to bacteria, viruses, and parasites in contaminated water can cause symptoms and diseases ranging from ear, nose, and eye infections to diarrhea, vomiting, hepatitis, encephalitis, skin rashes, and respiratory illnesses. Children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with a weakened immune system are most likely to get sick from swimming in contaminated water. They are also most likely to become seriously ill from exposure to waterborne illnesses.

You can reduce your risk of getting sick by following these tips:

· Pay attention to contamination and advisory warnings and stay out of polluted water.

· Avoid swimming at beaches after heavy rainfall.

· Stay out of murky or foul-smelling water.

· Avoid beach water if you have an open wound or infection.

· Swim without putting your head under water.

For questions and additional information, residents may call the Department of Environmental Health at (410) 546-4446 or visit www.wicomicohealth.org.