Be careful on the beach: Dangerous vibrions threaten bathers in northern Germany!

Be careful on the beach: Dangerous vibrions threaten bathers in northern Germany!

Binz, Deutschland - The warm summer days are one reason for many to go to the coasts of the North and Baltic Sea. However, increasing bathing pleasure faces a serious health risk: the risk of vibrion infections. According to the Welt The season for these bacteria begins with temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius, especially in flat coastal areas Baltic Sea thrive where the salt content is low. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) reported two cases of infection in Germany until the beginning of July 2023. People with open wounds or a weakened immune system are particularly at risk of infecting themselves with these harmful bacteria.

How we can see the symptoms of an infection seriously to take the BR>. They manifest themselves through severe pain, fever and in severe cases even wound infections that can arise from contact with contaminated water. The enjoyment of raw or insufficiently cooked seafood can also lead to an infection. The species Vibrio Vulnificus in particular is worrying because it can cause deep tissue damage. An antibiotic can help if the infection is recognized early.

As early as 2022, 42 cases of non-Cholera vibrions (NCV) were recorded in Germany, and the reporting obligation has existed since 2020. A great deal of water temperatures due to climate change that favor the increase of vibrions are on the march. A dangerous development, since the Baltic Sea is one of the fastest warming sea ecosystems worldwide, such as Environmental Bundesamt . Longer heat waves could increase the risk because the ideal conditions for the growth of vibrions are achieved.

Deaths, such as those who were reported to the Baltic Sea last season, show the seriousness of this infection. The State Office for Health and Social Affairs in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania has determined an increase in vibrions, which particularly affects older people and immunocompromised people. These are particularly susceptible to life -threatening complications.

prevention is the key

With these risks in the back of the head, all bathing caution should be allowed. People with wounds or freshly stung tattoos should better avoid the affected waters. Informed bathers can also orientate themselves on the "Vibrio Map Viewer" map of the European Health Authority ECDC to check out the risk of infection. The prevention measures are therefore clear: avoid risky activities and ensure adequate hygiene to advance possible infections.

How the situation is developing and what measures are taken in the long term remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: mindfulness when bathing in the North and Baltic Sea is essential in the current situation.