Maine DEP Says 5 Maine Beaches Are Contaminated With Bacteria

There is a chance that visiting your favorite Maine beach this summer could put you at risk of getting sick.

According to an article on the WGME website, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection has announced that five Maine beaches are now considered "contaminated" with high levels of bacteria.

The article explains that the Maine DEP checked for enterococcus bacteria.  According to the website, enterococcus bacteria is less likely to be killed by salt water than e.coli.  Most Maine beaches are tested once a week.  However, those that are considered at risk are tested twice a week.

The beaches that are considered contaminated include Laite Beach in Camden, Old Orchard Beach, Willard Beach in South Portland, Broad Cove Reserve in Cumberland, and Goodies Beach in Rockport.

According to WebMD, enterococcus bacteria is one of the most common bacteria's known for causing people to get ill.

Just how common is the bacteria and what kind of infections does it cause?  According to the WebMD article.

Each year in the United States, Enterococci are the culprit for 110,000 urinary tract infections (UTIs), 40,000 wound infections, 25,000 cases of bacteremia, and 1,100 cases of endocarditis. Most of these infections take place in hospitals.

Of course, at the beach, one of the biggest concerns is wound infections.  These happen when you get a cut on your arm or leg and then come into contact with the bacteria.  That bacteria then infects the wound.  As a precaution, regardless of whether you are at the beach or not, you should always keep wounds covered and make sure you use anti-bacterial cream on cuts.

So, What is your go-to Maine beach?  Let us know by sending a message through our radio station app.

Speaking of Old Orchard Beach, some of the best bands and musical artists have performed at the ballpark at Old Orchard Beach.  Check out the list: