In hot summer days, lakes, currents and ponds may look particularly seductive. But as they can appear, invite, Fresh water of water is sometimes dangerous pathogens This can bring your summer plans into a scary stop.

Every year, around this time, after contrarying the brain-eating Amibas in the headlines, the people who die start surfs or are curved in the hospital after swallowing toxic algae.

“These bodies of water have not been filtered or disinfected like a pool, so They are part of living ecosystems where bacteria, parasites and other pathogens may grow, ” Don Thaushara Galbedage, PhD, MPHA public health professor at Texas Christian University, whose research focuses on microbiology and infectious disease pathogenesis, reported Health,

While this Diseases are rare, These reports are an important reminder that thinking twice before taking a dip is always a good idea. Is here What do you know about pathogens Who can hide in fresh water – and A Some tips To help you assess whether your local swimming hole is safe.

As mentioned, it is uncommon to be sick from swimming in freshwater. Still, there is Always some level of risk, Said Bobby Pret, MDDirector of clinical parasitic science laboratory and spokesperson of American pathologist college at Mayo Clinic.

This is especially true Hot, stable water, And After heavy rains.

During rains, agricultural runoff, sewage, or rotting organic materials are pulled into water, which contain high levels of nutrients that allow microorganisms to flourish according to the throat. Then, you may accidentally get sick if you are Swallow contaminated water, printed it in your eyes, or expose an open wound.

Most healthy people who contracted waterborne infections are cured without medical treatment. But for Recourse people, Young children, big adults and including Immunocompromised Individuals, they can infection Quickly increase serious complications.

There are some germs here to be aware of this heat.

Bacteria

Leptospira, Spiral -shaped bacteria Flu -like disease called leptospirosis, Infected animals such as rodents and livestock are shed in the urine. Leptospira Warm, stable freshwater thrives, the printer told HealthAnd can enter the body through the eyes or mouth.

While light cases usually solve on their own, serious cases may require hospitalization and kidney damage may occur, he said. between 100 and 200 people get leptospirosis in America every year.

Vibrio There is another bacterium that lives in both salt water and salt water, where fresh water mixed with seawater, the print said. Looks about America 80,000 annual vibriosis,

There are two main types, the print explained: Vibrio vulicus, Which is severe wound infection And bloodstream infection, and Vibrimolitis, One who triggers Gastrointestinal (GI) Symptoms Such as DiarrheaWhile bacteria often get into the body Raw or undercurcated shellfishAccording to the disease control and prevention center (CDC), they can also get through open wounds.

These infections progress quickly and can be treated AntibioticsImmediate wound care, and, most seriously, surgery.

Parasite

Related to ParasiteThere are many that lurk around freshwater swimming spots.

Perhaps the most common Giardia, Who can cause Giardiasis, A gastrointestinal disease that triggers diarrhea, stomach cramps, SwellingAnd gas. More than 1 million people in america Get sick giardia Annual. While some people who contracted the parasites, they can remain touching, others may have symptoms up to six weeks according to the CDC.

Like the bacteria mentioned above, the print said that you may get sick if you swallow contaminated water, usually from the affected streams or lakes. Antiperacitic drugs like metronidazole are available to help clean the infection.

Cryptosporidium There is another parasite that causes water diarrhea. This one, which is roughly 823,000 diseases every year, Facal is spread through fecal contamination from infected individuals, the print said, and can give birth to diarrhea, nauseaAnd fatigue. ,[Cryptosporidium] Are Hardy and remain in many types of water types, ”he said.

Perhaps the most scary – but at the same time with rare, Less than more than 10 cases Annual in America – is Naglaria fouli ,N. Foulry, An amoeba that can cause a malignant brain infection. Infection is not only to swallow contaminated fresh water, but after force of people forcibly, such as diverting their head or drowning. Unlike some other waterborne diseases, swallowing water N. Foulry According to CDC, infection does not cause. Instead, this happens when the water goes above the nose.

The disease begins with a serious headache, nausea, vomiting and fever before the progress of the rigidity of the neck, confusion and hallucinations. Within five days, it can occur coma and death.

“This is usually called ‘brain-eating amoeba’ because it destroys brain tissue during infection, and it is almost always fatal,” the print said. Between 1962 and 2023, only four people have survived the disease.

Toxic algal blooms

Algae, Especially blue-green algae can grow quickly and become Squirt on the surface of fresh water, Which can be green, blue or other colors. Again, this bloom is filled with nutrients to hot, slow moving water.

“Some of these organisms can produce toxins Skin rashes, stomach upset, liver injury, and rarely neurologic effects, ” Print said.

Virus

Finally, the virus -including Adenovirus and NorovirusFuster in rivers and lakes. You may get sick if you accidentally swallow drops that contain one of these hard viruses. Both reasons viral Gastrointestinalitis-The diarrheal disease, which is, is mild and short -lived in most cases.

If you see a promising freshwater swimming spots and a few minutes, Take a few minutes to see the body of water. Popular water holes are often monitored or undergoing regular testing by local public health officials, Pastula said. If pathogens have been detected or reported, then The agency warns that people be urged not to go.

Pasula said that you can also see the local park authority or ask the nearby park ranger to see if they have any information about the local bodies of water.

As far as it is concerned, Unfortunately, there is often no bright clue that the water you are about is dangerous.

But, in general, Daniel Pastula, MD, MHSA professor of neurology, infectious diseases and epidemiology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, recommendation Clean steering with salt water, stable water, or dishonesty Since they are likely to have high concentration of pathogens than clear, moving, fragrant water.

What can be the smell of contaminated water? “Galabades said disintegrating sewage, sulfur, or vegetation. He also recommends keeping distance from water that has a layer of foam or scum on the surface.

Merky water can be free from pathogens, but comes with additional risks – clouds can hide other dangers such as submerged debris or dead animals that present their sets of health risks, Gaalbade said.

He said, even the water that looks clean and clear, may include pathogens. And suspicious water – such as cloudy or green alpha blooms – cannot be really harmful.

When in doubt, Consider delaying your swimming plans if it has rained recently, Especially after a heavy storm, Gaalbade said.

If the water looks safe and you are not getting any health warnings, then be careful is still a good idea. To Reduce your risk of contract of a waterborne disease, Pastula told Health He advises to practice them Easy Steps:

• Do not swim with open cuts
• Avoid swallowing water
• Try not to take water from your nose
• Do not stir the sediment below
• Avoid swimming near sewage or drainage pipe
• Wash your hands after swimming ends

Galbadage, after your swimming, advises to close your eyes wearing goggles, and even after placing your head over water. Just because the pond or lake looks clean does not mean.

“Natural water can take hidden health hazards even on the day of sunlight,” Galbadage said.