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 spokesman Gregg Bortz told The Associated Press (AP) by email that swimming, wading and surfing had been banned in Assateague State Park on Sunday after Maryland Park Service rangers found needles, feminine hygiene products and cigar tips along the park’s beach. That warning was extended until Monday after additional needles were discovered.
All beaches along the Assateague Island National Seashore, which stretches between Maryland and Virginia, were also closed to swimming and wading on Monday. Medical waste was also located Sunday in Ocean City, Maryland, according to the AP report. The city’s chief of emergency services, Joe Theobald, said in a statement that “until we are satisfied that the situation is under control, we recommend that you wear shoes on the beach and avoid the ocean completely.”
Delaware’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) said in a statement about its Facebook page Sunday that there were reports of medical waste washing ashore between the Indian River Inlet to Fenwick Island, which borders Maryland. In an update Monday, DNREC said it has confirmed “only minimal debris on Delaware’s beaches, but we take the situation seriously and advise caution.”
Officials are investigating the potential source of the waste. Newsweek reached out to health officials in Delaware, Maryland and Virginia for additional information on Monday.
This is a developing story that will be updated as information becomes available.
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