It started out as another sunny day at the beach for Brent Norman, who was walking along Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms in South Carolina a few weeks ago.
“I grew up on beaches my whole life and I’ve probably stepped on over 10,000 shells,” he told local station ABC News 4. But this one was different.
Norman stepped on a shell during his walk and experienced significant pain in the days that followed.
“Fast forward to Wednesday, the swelling in my right foot got even worse. And then at that point, I wasn’t walking anymore,” he said. A trip to the emergency room revealed Norman was infected with vibrio, a potentially deadly flesh-eating bacteria.
Vibrio is found naturally in coastal waters, and it’s not the only microscopic health hazard. Beaches can harbor many germs, such as enterococci.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Coastal Resources Division tests the water at all Peach State beaches weekly for this pesky bacteria, which is found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals ranging from birds to dolphins. Enterococci are generally not harmful to humans on their own, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, but there is still an important reason why Georgia’s Beach Water Quality Monitoring and Reporting Program tests for them .
The bacteria is an indicator “of the presence of fecal matter in the water and, therefore, the possible presence of pathogenic bacteria, viruses and protozoa,” the EPA reported. And being exposed to these germs can lead to infections.
“Germs found in water and sand often come from human or animal feces (poop),” the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported. “In particular, germs can be carried to swimming areas by heavy rain, which can carry anything it comes into contact with (e.g. animal droppings) into the swimming areas. These germs can also come from humans or animals who poop in or near water.
“Water contaminated with these germs can make you sick if you swallow it. It can also cause infection if you enter the water with a cut or open wound (especially from surgery or piercing).
According to Gizmodo, MRSA bacteria cause staph infections, E. coli cause urinary tract and gastrointestinal infections, parasitic hookworms, bacteria cause Legionnaires’ disease, parasites cause diarrhea, and noroviruses (bugs stomach) can all be found at the beach. .
Beachgoers looking to avoid those pesky germs should watch the weather.
“Our data showed that high levels of bacteria are frequently associated with specific weather events, particularly heavy rain and strong winds,” the Coastal Resources Division reported. “Significant precipitation levels increase runoff from surrounding uplands and can contribute to high bacteria levels in adjacent waters. Likewise, high winds as well as high waves often resuspend sediment loads in the water column and can increase bacteria levels.
Want to know the current status of bacteria levels on Georgia beaches to stay ahead of these infectious diseases? View the official Division of Coastal Resources map here.
“In summary, beachgoers and especially swimmers should always consider the area’s past 24-48 hours’ weather conditions as well as published advisories when considering enjoying one of Georgia’s beautiful beaches” , the division said.
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