The toxic bacteria detected before Barry blew ashore in Louisiana has the beaches along the Mississippi Gulf Coast still closed.
Polluted Midwest floodwaters have fed an outbreak of cyanobacterium. Commonly known as blue-green algae, it can cause rashes, diarrhea and vomiting. The algae has spread eastward as water from the Mississippi River pours into the Gulf of Mexico.
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality spokesman Robbie Wilbur said Monday the agency is continuing to test water samples.
He says those tested Sunday "indicated the continued presence of algal bloom."
Beaches began closing June 22 along the coast of Mississippi. The last two sections near the Alabama line on July 7..
Although the water is off limits, people can still be on the sand.
Mississippi's barrier islands' beaches have remained open.





