When bodies of water are heated to about 20 degrees, the vibrations increase rapidly. Then older people with chronic diseases or open wounds should ideally not go into the water.
Rostock (DPA) – Several Baltic seaside resorts are currently using notices to draw attention to the danger of vibrations. The bacteria occur naturally in the Baltic Sea and multiply at a water temperature of about 20 degrees.
In very rare cases, they cause serious infections, as announced by Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania’s State Office for Health and Social Affairs (LAGUS).
For the first time this year, an 80-year-old man from the state contracted the infection from the bacteria, according to a recently published Vibrionen report from last week. As Lagus pointed out, in this case old age should be seen as a risk factor. No further details given.
According to the information, people with chronic underlying diseases or weakened immune systems, as well as older people, are also at risk. “If bathers belong to these risk groups and have skin injuries, they should avoid contact with sea or salt water.”
In the 2020 bathing season, eight infections were reported in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and there were no deaths. A total of 69 infections have occurred since 2003, of which nine people – all from related previous diseases – have died.
Vibrios can cause severe wound infection, with symptoms including severe local pain, fever, and chills. Infection is usually treated with antibiotics.
