Dozens of beaches are closed across Massachusetts on Thursday, the majority of them due to health risks.

On Thursday, 55 beaches were closed in Massachusetts, according to the Department of Public Health (DPH). High levels of bacteria found in the water, including rain/stormwater runoff, sewage, animal waste and other factors, can increase bacteria levels that are potentially harmful to people and prompt these many closures.

Elevated bacteria levels can be harmful to people if exposed to the water, DPH’s website reads. People exposed to water with high levels of bacteria can fall ill and develop gastrointestinal symptoms, respiratory symptoms, dermatological symptoms, eye and ear symptoms or flu-like symptoms.

Officials closed other beaches because of cyanobacteria, or algae, blooms,

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