Bacteria in the Baltic Sea: Certain bathers have to take care now
Bathtubs in the sea: Due to the persistent heat, the water temperature in the Baltic Sea has climbed to more than 22 degrees. For bathers a dream? for bacteria too. The State Office for Health and Social Affairs Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (LAGuS) is now warning against this.
Although the swimming at the almost 500 designated bathing areas according to LAGuS "unrestricted possible". Nevertheless, certain people should be careful and prophylactically avoid the water. Because the high temperature promotes the occurrence of Vibrionen. The bacteria always live in seawater; but in increased numbers they can cause infections.
Bathers "with basic risks" should be careful
At risk are only bathers "with certain basic risks," it says of the authority. Affected are liver patients, alcoholics and diabetes patients as well as people with immunodeficiency, such as after transplantation or with HIV infection. Also "persons of higher age" should take care, advises the state office. According to the information, a 70-year-old died of a Vibrion infection on the weekend. The man is said to have already suffered from chronic pre-existing conditions.
Main entry ports for the bacteria are skin injuries. As a result of infection, fever and chills may occur. For therapy, antibiotics are used. In 2017, according to the announcement, an infection occurred, compared with three the year before.
Blue-green algae and cercaria affect everyone
But what about all bathers? regardless of health? must count: so-called blue-green algae, which also belong to the bacteria. They are recognizable as greenish or bluish streaks in and on the water. The depth of vision is then usually well below one meter. Health authorities advise against swimming when swimmers in knee-deep water can no longer recognize their feet.
In inland waters, there may also be cercariae, larvae of water-suckling worms. "They can be felt on the skin with itchy pustules and wheals," warns the LAGuS. The larvae are found mainly in shallow shores.
Whether the swimming pleasure at the planned place is unclouded, Baltic visitors can check in the bath card of the state office.
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