Medical waste, including hypodermic needles, has washed ashore on several beaches in Maryland, Delaware and Virginia, prompting officials to ban swimming in the affected areas.
Maryland Department of Natural Resources spokesperson Gregg Bortz told the Associated Press (AP) over email that swimming, wading and surfing had been banned at Assateague State Park on Sunday after Maryland Park Service rangers located needles, feminine hygiene products and cigar tips along the park’s beach. That warning was extended through Monday after additional needles were spotted.
All beaches along Assateague Island National Seashore, which extends between Maryland and Virginia, were also closed to swimming and wading on Monday. Medical waste was also located on Sunday in Ocean City, Maryland, per AP’s report. The city’s emergency services director, Joe Theobald, said in a statement that “until we are confident that the situation is under control, we recommend wearing shoes on the beach and avoiding the ocean entirely.”
Delaware’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) said in a statement on its Facebook page Sunday that there were reports of medical waste washing ashore between Indian River Inlet to Fenwick Island, which borders Maryland. In an update Monday, the DNREC said that it has confirmed “only minimal waste on Delaware beaches, but we are taking the situation seriously and advising caution.”
Officials are investigating the potential source of the waste. Newsweek reached out to health officials in Delaware, Maryland and Virginia for further information on Monday.
This is a developing story that will be updated as information becomes available.
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