Open Wounds Don't Dare to Swim, Warm Water Bacteria Can Trigger Infection

A number of people swim in the sea. ECDC warns that warmer water can increase the risk of bacterial infections, especially for people with open wounds. Illustration photo: Pexels.

JAKARTA - Hot temperatures not only make people more often look for beaches, swimming pools, rivers, or seas. Warmer water can also give room for a number of bacteria to develop.

Euronews, quoted Sunday, August 2, reported that rising water temperatures increase the risk of water-related infections, such as vibriosis, swimmer's ear, gastroenteritis, as well as some skin and urinary tract infections.

Swimmer's ear is an infection of the outer ear canal that can appear after water is trapped in the ear. Gastroenteritis is an infection or inflammation of the stomach and intestines that can cause diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control or ECDC warns that longer and hotter summers make a number of bacteria more suitable for growth. This risk mainly arises in warm coastal waters with low salt levels.

Even so, the risk of contracting the infection remains low. Experts emphasize that simple prevention measures can reduce the chances of infection when millions of people go to bathing areas to cool off.

According to ECDC, rising water temperatures, environmental changes, and increased travel during the summer are changing the pattern of the spread of some infectious diseases in Europe.

One of the most highlighted is vibriosis. This is an infection caused by bacteria from the genus Vibrio. These bacteria are naturally found in certain coastal waters, especially during the hottest months.

Vibrio is more easily developed in areas with low salt levels, such as estuaries and river meetings with the sea. This bacterium can also be found in raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters.

Some species, such as Vibrio vulnificus, are widely known as "flesh-eating bacteria". The term arose because in very rare cases, the bacteria can cause severe infections in body tissues.

Euronews said ECDC had updated an interactive map to show higher-risk areas, depending on environmental conditions.

Anyone can get infected. However, ECDC notes a higher risk of severe illness in people with a weak immune system, chronic liver disease, or other health conditions.

For this group, caution when swimming and eating seafood is more important.

The prevention method is not complicated. ECDC recommends that people who have open wounds, cuts, abrasions, or new piercings avoid contact with water. Bacteria can enter the body through broken skin.

If you still have to get into the water, the wound needs to be covered with a completely waterproof bandage. After getting out of the water, the wound should be washed with clean water.

Prevention is also needed from seafood. Experts advise people to avoid oysters and other shellfish that are raw or undercooked. Seafood should be cooked to the point of being cooked to help prevent Vibrio infections.

ECDC highlighted the Baltic Sea and a number of estuaries in Europe as areas with the most favorable conditions for Vibrio growth. However, the agency also noted that climate-related warming of the water is expanding the area where the bacteria can thrive.

Simple steps remain the key. Avoid swimming when you have an open wound, cover the wound with a waterproof bandage if you have to go into the water, clean the wound after swimming, and don't eat raw or undercooked shellfish.