Different kinds of bacteria can be found in the water at local beaches, and some are more dangerous than others. Following a few precautions can help keep vulnerable populations safe.
Bacteria at local beaches
In Connecticut, water is regularly tested for potentially harmful bacteria, which typically includes E. coli and Enterococcus.
“There are a lot of conditions that lead to bacteria getting in the water,” said Yale New Haven Hospital Infectious Disease specialist Scott Roberts, MD, assistant professor in infectious diseases at Yale School of Medicine. “Warmer temperatures facilitate the growth of bacteria. The other thing is the currents. If the water is stagnant, you're going to see build-up there as well.”
Storms and poor sanitation can also lead to high bacteria levels in the water.
Symptoms of infection
The most common symptom associated with E. coli is gastroenteritis, which may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Poor appetite
These symptoms typically show up within a few hours but should resolve quickly. However, if someone is experiencing worsening symptoms, or signs of dehydration, they should seek medical attention.
What is flesh eating bacteria?
Another bacterium called Vibrio has gotten the reputation as a “flesh eating” bacteria because it has the potential to cause necrotizing fasciitis, a clinical syndrome where the infection spreads rapidly through the skin and soft tissue, which can lead to dead tissue and even amputations.
“Most people are not going to have that. It requires a specific cohort of patients, generally it’s those with a low immune system and open breaks in the skin where the bacteria can get in,” said Dr. Roberts.
In those cases, symptoms appear rapidly. If someone has an open wound and experiences fever, flu-like illness and the wound appears to be getting worse, they should seek emergency care right away.
Serious cases have recently been identified in Florida, but Vibrio has also been found in Long Island Sound in the past.
How to prevent getting sick
Getting an infection through an open wound is the most dangerous because it allows bacteria to quickly enter the bloodstream. Therefore, anyone with an open wound should avoid entering the water or wrap their wound in a waterproof bandage.
Other ways people get sick from bacteria are through eating raw seafood like oysters or ingesting contaminated water accidentally. Always wash your hands after leaving the beach, and especially before eating.
Finally, look out for alerts from the Department of Public Health. If beaches are closed due to high bacteria levels, fishing may also be off limits too.
