BILOXI, MS (WVUE) – Officials have now closed Biloxi West Central Beach and are advising residents not to consume seafood collected from the nearshore waters.

Stretching from Travia Avenue to Iberville Drive, Biloxi West Central Beach is closed, according to the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality. Officials say that the closure is due to a force main break outside of a nearby lift station. The City of Biloxi is working to repair the line.

Residents and visitors are advised not to enter the water or consume any seafood collected from these nearshore waters until further notice.

In addition, officials have placed advisories in place for several other beaches in the area due to “high bacteria levels.” Thousands of gallons of raw waste is floating with the fish.

“Just came out here to enjoy the beach, get my tan on, so yeah, just come out here to relax and apparently there’s poop in the water,” visitor Matt Miano said.

Officials have also warned people about flesh eating bacteria in the area.

“I don’t want to get my flesh eaten. I want to stay intact. I like my body how it is,” visitor Joe Teske said.

Segments of the beach are not closed. However, officials say there may be an increased risk of illness associated with swimming in the areas.

Advisories have been issued for:

Officials state that the advisories will be lifted when samples show that levels are safe for human contact.