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As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, people are drawn to beaches across the Upper Mississippi River Region. While waterbodies are often an ideal environment for picturesque memories, they can also be an ideal environment for cyanobacteria and amoebae. Keep yourself safe from these health hazards this summer by learning more below about harmful algae toxins, brain-eating amoeba and (less scary sounding but still can be deadly...) e. Coli bacteria.
While it’s possible to come in contact with cyanotoxins through contaminated drinking water or food supplies, typical exposure comes from recreational activities such as swimming and boating. To minimize your risk… Know before you go Many regions have public water quality monitoring data available during the summer months, allowing you to check for advisories before heading to the beach. Identify signs HABS can be easy to spot due to key tell-tale signs. They may present as a colorful foam, scum, or mat on the water, with people often likening their appearance to spilled paint. Check out these resources to learn more. Identify symptoms HABS can cause symptoms ranging from minor skin and respiratory irritation to stomach pain and liver damage. Check out these resources to learn more. Seek care if needed Contact your doctor, vet, or local poison control if symptoms worsen or persist.
Naegleria fowleri can cause infections in humans when contaminated water goes up through the nose and to the brain. It cannot be transmitted from person to person or from swallowing water. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), infection usually occurs “after someone goes swimming or diving in a lake, river, or other fresh water during summer months”, and “when it's been hot for long periods, resulting in higher water temperatures and lower water levels.” While there are typically 10 or fewer cases in the United States each year, they are almost always fatal. While monitoring early symptoms, such as headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting, and contacting your doctor is important, the infection’s quick advancement and lack of treatment makes prevention crucial. CDC steps to reduce your risk include covering your nose when putting your head under freshwater, keeping it above water in hot springs, and using distilled or boiled tap water for nasal rinsing. E. Coli and other enteric (intestinal) bacteria As the below diagram shows, there are many ways that Escherichia coli, commonly known as E.coli, can get into our water. This bacteria originates from the intestines of warm-blooded animals and can cause gastrointestinal illnesses when humans come in contact with it. While E. coli often causes minor discomfort, the United States Geological survey (USGS) notes it "may cause serious conditions or death in others, especially in the very young, old, or those with weakened immunological systems". States monitor E.coli levels in accordance with EPA limits and use results as an indicator for other potential bacteria presence. Be sure to watch for floating feces (from geese or human diapers) and posted signs at your local beach before swimming to avoid contact with contaminated water. Learn more here.  Graphic: University of Michigan: https://www.canr.msu.edu/msu-water/red-cedar-river-watershed/surface-water-monitoring-on-the-red-cedar-river Comments are closed.
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