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High E. Coli Levels Detected in Lake Michigan Beaches, Public Advised to Avoid Water

High E. Coli Levels Detected in Lake Michigan Beaches, Public Advised to Avoid Water

High levels of E. Coli have been detected in several Lake Michigan beach areas, prompting advisories for the public to avoid entering the water. Affected locations include Mount Baldy, Central Beach, Dunbar Beach, Portage Lakefront, and West Beach. Despite the advisories, the beaches remain open for other activities. The presence of E. Coli, a bacteria that can cause illness, is often linked to contamination from human or animal waste, and can pose health risks to swimmers.
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
NY state park beach closures: 7 beaches closed, 1 under advisory

NY state park beach closures: 7 beaches closed, 1 under advisory

Seven New York state park swimming beaches are closed due to high bacteria levels, harmful algal blooms or heavy rainfall. See the latest closures and advisory.
1Weather 1Weather
Rising Vibrio Infections Linked to Warming Chesapeake Bay Waters

Rising Vibrio Infections Linked to Warming Chesapeake Bay Waters

The Chesapeake Bay is experiencing a rise in Vibrio bacteria infections, driven by climate change and warming waters. Over the past 30 years, the average water temperature in the Bay has increased by 1.8°F (1°C), creating ideal conditions for Vibrio vulnificus, a potentially deadly 'flesh-eating' bacteria. This bacterium thrives in water temperatures above 64°F (18°C) and salinity levels between 10-20 parts per thousand. Cases of Vibrio infections in Maryland and Virginia have more than doubled since 2018, with 400 cases reported in 2025 alone. While infections remain relatively rare, they pose significant health risks, particularly for individuals with open wounds or compromised immune systems. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and other agencies are developing predictive models to assess Vibrio risks in the Bay.
Palm Beach Post Palm Beach Post
Palm Beach County 'flesh-eating bacteria' total holds steady

Palm Beach County 'flesh-eating bacteria' total holds steady

Palm Beach County person dies of 'flesh-eating bacteria.' What residents should know on Vibrio vulnificus infections.
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City of Burton Addresses Drinking Water Monitoring Violations

City of Burton Addresses Drinking Water Monitoring Violations

The City of Burton is addressing concerns regarding its drinking water quality following reports of monitoring failures. Officials have clarified that the violations pertain to monitoring lapses rather than elevated levels of lead or copper in the water supply. This announcement comes amid heightened public scrutiny over water safety and infrastructure reliability. The city is taking steps to rectify the monitoring issues and reassure residents about the safety of their drinking water.
AP News AP News
Haiti starts to register voters in violent capital under gang menace

Haiti starts to register voters in violent capital under gang menace

Voter registration has started in Haiti’s capital and beyond, marking a critical milestone in the push for general elections even as concerns over widespread gang violence persist
Westchester County Journal News Westchester County Journal News
11 NYC-area beaches under swimming advisory for water quality concerns

11 NYC-area beaches under swimming advisory for water quality concerns

Eleven New York City-area beaches are under swimming advisories because of elevated bacteria levels. See which beaches are affected and what the advisory means.
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New York City Faces Increased Risk of Legionnaires' Disease Due to Climate Change

New York City Faces Increased Risk of Legionnaires' Disease Due to Climate Change

New York City is experiencing heightened risks of Legionnaires' disease, a severe form of pneumonia, as a result of climate change. According to the New York State Climate Impacts Assessment, the city is expected to see a significant increase in days with temperatures over 95 degrees by the mid-21st century. This rise in temperature, along with increased rainfall and humidity, creates favorable conditions for the growth of Legionella bacteria in water systems, such as rooftop cooling towers. Dr. Ashish Jha from the Harvard Kennedy School highlights that climate change is exacerbating public health threats, including vector-borne diseases. City officials, including Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin, have acknowledged the recurring risk of Legionnaires' disease outbreaks. Some city council members are proposing a summer hotline to address public concerns. Despite the challenges, experts like Janet Stout emphasize that proper maintenance and regulation enforcement can prevent outbreaks.
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EPA Faces Pressure to Include Microplastics in Water Safety Testing

EPA Faces Pressure to Include Microplastics in Water Safety Testing

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is under pressure from over 200 organizations and health professionals to include microplastics in its proposed new standards for monitoring drinking water. Despite the growing concern over microplastics as a public health issue, the EPA has not yet validated a method for testing these particles in water. California has taken the lead by implementing a state law requiring certain water providers to test for microplastics, setting a precedent for potential federal action.
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Military Bases Delay Cleanup of Toxic PFAS Chemicals, Raising Health Concerns

Military Bases Delay Cleanup of Toxic PFAS Chemicals, Raising Health Concerns

An investigation has revealed that military bases across the United States have delayed the cleanup of toxic perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) for up to 20 years. These 'forever chemicals' are known to contaminate drinking water and increase cancer risk. The investigation, conducted by USA TODAY, compiled records and created an interactive dashboard to show where and for how long these cleanups have been postponed. The delays have raised significant health concerns for communities living near these military installations.
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US Faces Rising Foodborne Illnesses Amidst Climate and Surveillance Challenges

US Faces Rising Foodborne Illnesses Amidst Climate and Surveillance Challenges

The U.S. is experiencing a surge in foodborne illnesses, with cyclosporiasis leading to over 16,000 cases and 300 hospitalizations this summer. Experts warn that the country may not have reached the peak of such outbreaks, with future threats including E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria. Factors contributing to this rise include changing diets, climate change, and limitations in public health surveillance. The FDA has struggled to meet inspection targets, and recent changes to the CDC's FoodNet system have raised concerns about the nation's ability to monitor and respond to outbreaks effectively.
Factlore Factlore
What is Legionnaires' disease and how do you get it?

What is Legionnaires' disease and how do you get it?

Learn about Legionnaires' disease, a serious lung infection caused by Legionella bacteria, including its symptoms, causes, and how it is transmitted.