Dangerous bathing fun Big heat causes bacteria spreading in the Baltic Sea

Bacteria in the Baltic Sea: People from risk groups should be careful

Due to the high temperatures in the Baltic Sea, there are currently more vibrations in the water. In some individuals, these bacteria can cause serious infections. In addition, cercaria is currently to be expected in some waters in northeastern Germany. And also blue-green flowers can occur.

First case with fatal outcome

At the now prevailing higher temperatures, more vibrations may occur in the Baltic Sea, which in rare cases can lead to severe infections. "A first case with fatal outcome was at the weekend with a 70-year-old man with chronic pre-existing conditions," writes the State Office for Health and Social Affairs (LAGuS) Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in a recent release.

In the Baltic Sea Vibrios may be present, which in rare cases can lead to severe infections. People from risk groups should therefore refrain from bathing if necessary. (Image: b-photodesign / fotolia.com)

Swimmers from risk groups may be at risk

In 2017, a Vibrion infection had been reported to the LAGuS, in 2016 there were three. Four years ago a vacationer died after such a bacterial infection.

According to the experts, very few bathers are endangered by vibrios.

The risk of illness mainly exists for persons with chronic underlying conditions (eg liver disease, alcohol dependence, diabetes mellitus) or with existing immunodeficiency (eg after transplantation or in the case of an existing HIV infection) as well as persons of older age.

"If bathers belong to these at-risk groups and skin injuries are present, contact with seawater or brackish water should be avoided," warns the LAGuS.

Bacteria can enter the body via wounds

As the experts explain, superficial and deep skin injuries in the case of infections with vibrios in the Baltic Sea region are the main entry portals.

The bacteria get over it while bathing or Wasserwaten in pathogenic Baltic Sea water in the body. Wound infections associated with profound necrosis play a major role in the region.

On this basis, a so-called sepsis (blood poisoning) with a colonization of other body parts, fever and chills can develop very quickly.

The infection is characterized by a rapid course with a high mortality rate. Crucial to the prognosis is the early initiation of adequate antibiotic therapy.

Cercaria and blue-green algae in inland waters

Furthermore, the LAGuS points out in its communication that in shallow shores of some Mecklenburg inland waters also cercaria (larvae of suckling worms) can be expected.

These can cause a so-called Badedermatitis (Zerkariendermatitis), in which it comes to a skin rash with strongly itchy pustules and wheals.

In addition, due to the weather can not be excluded that it comes locally to blue-green flowers.

According to experts, the toxins produced by the algae can lead to health problems on contact or through ingestion. (Ad)