Climate change brings heatwaves and heatwaves, among other things, lead to an increase in the temperature of marine waters and consequently an increase in the percentage of "Vibrio" bacteria that now threaten us for good in the seas of Europe.
These bacteria are responsible for the disease "Vibriosis". It is an infection that usually leads to stomach upset, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, nausea or even wound infections when the wounds come into contact with contaminated water.
That is, people can become infected with Vibrio bacteria if contaminated water gets into a scratch or wound, or if they consume raw/undercooked seafood and shellfish (e.g., oysters).
Vibriosis occurs more often during the summer months and as the European Center for Infection Control (ECDC) points out in a special report, the rise in temperature associated with climate change favors its development.
The latest heatwaves in European countries have put the ECDC on alert, while for two weeks now Vibrio bacteria and vibriosis have been included in the surveillance report, with the competent European center warning of their further development.
"Areas of increased risk depend on the weather and especially on temperature, which makes early warning and prevention even more important," the ECDC says in its special report and adds: "Following the recent heat wave in Central Europe, the risk has rapidly increased to unusually high levels for so early in the season."
In fact, for the immediate information of European citizens, the ECDC reminded the day before yesterday through its official website, the existence of the special electronic tool that identifies the areas of increased risk for each day.
The updated tool shows where environmental conditions are favourable for the growth of Vibrio bacteria, based on sea surface temperature and sea salt concentration data from European satellites.
The day before yesterday, however, the Mediterranean region was not included in the high-risk areas, however the data change depending on the temperatures prevailing in each region every twenty-four hours.
What we need to know about vibriosis
Most cases of vibriosis occur with mild symptoms. However, in some cases the symptoms can be severe or even life-threatening, especially if they concern people who belong to vulnerable groups of the population.
Symptoms usually appear a few hours to a few days after exposure and vary depending on how the bacteria are transported in the body.
After eating contaminated seafood:
Diarrhea
Stomach cramps
Nausea or vomiting
Fever.
After contact with contaminated water:
Stomach cramps
Nausea or vomiting
Fever.
After contact with contaminated water:
Ear infection.
Redness, swelling, and pain around a wound, indicating a skin infection.
In rare cases, the infection can spread to the blood and cause sepsis, which can be life-threatening.
As the ECDC warns, "environmental factors (especially elevated temperatures) are important for the growth and transmission of Vibrio bacteria, as they multiply faster in hot water. Increased sea temperature can therefore lead to a higher risk of vibriosis in summer, especially during heat waves."
Redness, swelling, and pain around a wound, indicating a skin infection.
In rare cases, the infection can spread to the blood and cause sepsis, which can be life-threatening.
As the ECDC warns, "environmental factors (especially elevated temperatures) are important for the growth and transmission of Vibrio bacteria, as they multiply faster in hot water. Increased sea temperature can therefore lead to a higher risk of vibriosis in summer, especially during heat waves."
