Medical waste, including hypodermic needles and feminine hygiene products, has washed ashore along beaches in Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia, prompting authorities to close several areas to swimming and wading. The Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) is leading the investigation into the source of the waste, which was first reported on Sunday. In Delaware, minimal amounts of waste have been confirmed, while Ocean City officials are monitoring the situation closely and have collected evidence for MDEM. Health authorities have raised concerns about safety, recommending that beachgoers avoid the ocean and wear shoes on the sand. The beaches affected include Assateague State Park and various locations in Ocean City, with officials emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. Investigations are ongoing, and officials are working with public health authorities to assess the situation and ensure safety.