Vibrions multiply vigorously when bodies of water warm up to around 20 degrees. Then older people with previous illnesses or open wounds should ideally not go into the water.
Rostock – Many Baltic seaside resorts are currently using notices to draw attention to the danger of vibrions. The bacteria occur naturally in the Baltic Sea and multiply from water temperatures of around 20 degrees.
In very rare cases, they cause severe infections, such as the State Office for Health and Social Affairs (Lagus) of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania announced.
According to the recently published Vibrionen report from last week, for the first time this year an 80-year-old man from the state contracted an infection with the bacteria. As the Lagus reported, old age should be viewed as a risk factor in this case. No further details were given.
According to the information, people with chronic underlying diseases or a weak immune system as well as older people are at risk. “If bathers belong to these risk groups and have skin injuries, contact with sea or brackish water should be avoided.”
In the 2020 bathing season, eight infections were reported in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and there were no deaths. Since 2003 there have been a total of 69 infections, from which nine people – all with relevant previous illnesses – have died.
Vibrios can cause severe wound infections, symptoms include severe local pain, fever and chills. The infections are usually treated with antibiotics. dpa
