Western New York Beach Shutdown Due To Unhealthy E. Coli Levels

As this heatwave continues across New York State, many Western New Yorkers are flocking to area beaches to beat the heat.

There is one beach that you will want to avoid, at least for now.

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That would be Olcott Beach located on the shores of Lake Ontario in Niagara County.

The county said the beach is closed to the public due to unhealthy levels of the E. Coli bacteria.

WHAT IS E. COLI?

E. coli aka Escherichia coli is a bacteria that normally lives in the intestines of healthy people and animals. Some types of E. Coli can cause severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting.

READ MORE: 5 WAYS TO KEEP COOL IN WESTERN NEW YORK DURING THIS WEEK'S HEATWAVE

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF E. COLI?

Signs of an E.coli infection usually happen 3 to 4 days after infections. Some symptoms of E. coli include Diarrhea, which may range from mild and watery to severe and bloody, Stomach cramping, pain or tenderness, and nausea and vomiting.

HOW LONG DOES AN E. COLI INFECTION LAST?

In most people, the symptoms will go away after several days, but in some cases, the symptoms can last up to two weeks.

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If you are looking to cool off with a dip in Lake Erie or Lake Ontario make sure you double check to see if the beaches are open and that there are no unhealthy levels of bacteria in the water.