Wild swimming linked to higher risk of stomach bugs and skin rashes
Summary
A study in Hungary found that swimming in rivers and lakes can increase the risk of stomach bugs and skin rashes. The research showed that higher levels of E coli bacteria in the water raise the chance of stomach illness, and swimmers were more than twice as likely to get skin problems compared to non-swimmers.Key Facts
- The study involved 2,368 people swimming or staying out of the water at four bathing sites in Hungary.
- Swimmers faced a higher risk of stomach illness when exposed to higher levels of E coli and viruses called somatic coliphages in the water.
- Skin problems like rashes and itching occurred in 2.7% of swimmers, more than double the rate of those who did not swim (1.3%).
- Skin issues were not linked to the bacteria measuring fecal pollution, suggesting other causes like parasites or algae.
- The study's findings question the World Health Organization’s recent decision to stop using E coli as a pollution indicator for freshwater swimming.
- Similar results were observed in a previous study conducted in Germany.
- All tested sites met European Union water quality standards active during the study.
- Researchers recommend continuing to monitor E coli and considering somatic coliphages to better detect unsafe swimming waters.
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