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Killer Beach: Disease on The Beach!
As soon as summer arrived, our first thought was to go to the beach, lake, or river. Going to a beach and getting a tan and listening to the waves can actually make us fall asleep, and when we wake up, our skin is being burned up by the sun or something else that shouldn’t be there. If you see a sign that says “No Swimming Here,” take it literally. You don’t know what’s in it.
Hepatitis A
According to the World Health Organization, hepatitis A is rarely linked to recreational water, but the possibility is still there. In 2006, a study conducted by San Diego State University found that 79 percent of tested water samples contained hepatitis A. Sewage runoff causes pollution, and vaccination programs are now available for surfers in the region.
Legionella Bacteria
Legionella bacteria thrive in warm water between 35°C (95°F) to 46°C (115°F); hence they can be found in hot tubs. Legionnaires’ disease can be contracted in a public shower at the beach. It’s like boiling human flesh.
In 2007, the bacteria’s most frequent strain was found in seven out of 36 beach showers across Southern Italy.
