Popular beaches closed as high bacteria levels raise health concerns for swimmers

Officials in several states are warning beachgoers to check local water quality advisories before swimming this summer.

Elevated bacteria levels have prompted beach closures and health alerts in Iowa, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Washington state.

Beaches can be contaminated with fecal matter from urban runoff and sewage overflows and by unhealthy pathogens from factory farms, the center said.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) warned people that swimming is not recommended at Backbone Beach, Pine Lake South Beach, Geode Lake Beach, Union Grove Beach, Pleasant Creek Beach and Nine Eagles Beach due to elevated E. coli levels.

E. coli is normally harmless and "part of a healthy intestinal tract," according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But certain strains can cause serious health problems for some people, such as the very young, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems.  

Symptoms of E. coli infection can include diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting and fever. Severe cases may lead to dehydration, according to the CDC.