Danger! Vibrion infections: bathing water in Saxony-Anhalt endangered!

Danger! Vibrion infections: bathing water in Saxony-Anhalt endangered!

The sun burns and the temperatures rise, but the heat also grows with harmful bacteria. Current reports indicate that the risk of vibrion infections in German waters, especially in summer heat, increases significantly. The n-tv that alarming in Saxony-Anhalt have been documented, especially in Saxony-Anhalt. The latest investigations by the State Office for Consumer Protection show that vibrions that have been caused by severe wound infections or even diarrhea have been demonstrated in two waters: in the Beach Silbad Staßfurt and in the Angersdorfer pond near Halle.

The likelihood of coming into contact with these dangerous bacteria is increasing. The Geo reports that vibrions at water temperatures above 20 degrees quickly increase. Flat coastal areas are particularly affected that warm up quickly, as is the case in the Baltic Sea. Open wounds and a weakened immune system significantly increase the risk of infection, which is why affected waters should urgently be avoided.

The dangers of the vibrions

In recent years there has been a concern for worrying: since 2020 in Germany there has been a reporting obligation for non-Cholera vibrions (NCV). Also the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) has already registered at least two infections in Germany until the beginning of July 2023. The increase in water temperatures and the associated changes in the ecosystem promote the spread of these pathogens.

The symptoms that can be caused by vibrions rang from skin reactions to serious wound infections and blood poisoning (sepsis). The species Vibrio Vulnificus in particular is feared because it can quickly cause tissue damage. In addition to increasing the bacterial concentrations in waters, the settlement of new pathogens is also favors through climate change, which further complicated.

precautionary measures and outlook

The EU bathing water guideline currently does not require any specific exams on vibrions in bathing waters, which has sparked a discussion about new regulations. Some federal states have already started to examine the water quality in areas where vibrions often occur. Despite the increasingly serious location, there is no danger from vibrions, since their occurrences in salt -containing waters and also in slightly salty inland waters are widespread.

climate change reinforces the problem. The temperatures in waters not only rise, extreme weather events can also rinse harmful viruses into our waters. A fact that also challenges the work of the health authorities and the mindfulness of the bathers.

It remains to be hoped that the risk of the health of the population can be significantly reduced by increased sensitization and adapted measures. Anyone planning on the Baltic Sea or in comparable waters should keep an eye on the current warnings of the authorities before bathing.