15 Diseases You Can Catch at the Beach
While the warm sand and blue waves might look idyllic, there can be some pretty dangerous bacteria and other critters lurking nearby. Sometimes they can turn a trip to the beach into a trip to the ER.
The beach--it's all fun in the sun, right? Maybe, but that's assuming you don't pick up a disease while you're there. While the warm sand and blue waves might look idyllic, there can be some pretty dangerous bacteria and other critters lurking nearby. Sometimes they can turn a trip to the beach into a trip to the ER.
Today, we're taking a look at the diseases you can catch at the beach. While many of these are rare, beachgoers have contracted them before, which means it doesn't hurt to be aware. Don't let your dream vacation turn into a nightmare!
Disclaimer: The information in this content is for general informational purposes only, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your lifestyle.
Flesh Eating Bacteria
Severe stomach pain, blood infections, wounds that grow and get worse--these are all the symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus, or flesh eating bacteria. The United States sees almost 100 cases of this per year, and they almost all come from beaches around the Gulf of Mexico.
There are a couple ways that someone can contract flesh eating bacteria at the beach. One is to enter the water with an open wound--it provides easy access to the microbes that cause the condition.
However, it can also be contracted through eating raw oysters that have come into contact with the bacteria.