Summer, sun, salt water: When the water temperatures rise, the risk of a Vibrio infection when bathing also increases. Vacationers have to be careful here.
The holiday season begins and thousands of Germans are drawn to the coast. However, anyone who is now planning a trip to the Black Sea should follow possible bacteria warnings carefully. Because the high water temperatures do not only please us humans. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) also informs that vibrios, which can cause dangerous infections, love salt water and water temperatures above 20 degrees.
Where exactly are vibrios lurking?
According to the map, the rod-shaped bacteria are on the rise in the northern Aegean and are also rapidly multiplying in the Black Sea, where very high concentrations were measured in July. For comparison: the ECDC currently classifies the load on the Baltic Sea and North Sea beaches as low.
The RKI writes that vibrios multiply particularly strongly when the warm water has a slight salt content. The risk of infection is highest in shallow waters and coastal areas with low currents.
Holidaymakers don’t have to spoil their bathing fun, but they should stay alert. According to the RKI, the bacteria pose a particular danger to older people and have already claimed fatalities.
How bad is a vibrio infection?
Vibrios enter the body, for example, through open or not fully healed wounds. They can also be ingested by swallowing contaminated water and eating seafood. This can lead to stomach problems with diarrhea, vomiting and cramping pains. Other typical symptoms are chills and fever.
In any case, you should immediately consult a doctor who can treat the infection with antibiotics.
The RKI writes: “The course of a Vibrio infection is usually mild overall. Severe courses can lead to sepsis. If the sepsis is not recognized in time and treated with antibiotics, this can lead to multiple organ failure and septic circulatory shock and be fatal.”
