| The Hidden Dangers in the Sand: Stay Safe from Beach Germs This Summer | Dear e-Alert Reader,
Summer is right around the corner, and many of us are eagerly planning our vacations—possibly to a beautiful beach or tropical location.
While the thought of lounging on the sand and splashing in the waves is undeniably appealing, it's important to remember that there are some potential health risks to consider when hitting the beach.
You might be surprised to learn that sharks aren't the only threat to your safety…
There's actually a smorgasbord of infectious organisms you can encounter in the sand or water. As you gear up for your summer beach adventures, let's take a closer look at the many germs beachgoers should stay on guard for—and, most importantly, how to avoid them.
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One of the most concerning beach-borne threats is MRSA, or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.
These bacteria are particularly dangerous because they are resistant to many antibiotics, making infections difficult to treat. While we often associate MRSA with hospitals and other healthcare settings—recent studies reveal that these bacteria can also be found in the sands and waters of both lakes and marine environments.
Another common culprit is E. coli. While many strains of Escherichia coli are harmless, and some are even beneficial to our gut health, certain strains can cause unpleasant gastrointestinal or urinary tract infections.
These harmful E. coli strains have been found in freshwater lakes and on beaches, likely due to improper runoff from sewer treatment sites or flooding.
Parasitic infections are another concern for beachgoers. Hookworms, which primarily infect dogs and cats, can burrow into human skin if people walk on sand contaminated by larvae from animal feces. This can lead to severe itching, rashes, and in some cases, more serious illness if the worms migrate deeper into the body.
Even the facilities surrounding the beach can harbor dangerous organisms. Legionella pneumophili bacteria—which cause the potentially severe form of pneumonia known as Legionnaires' disease—have been found to commonly contaminate showers at recreational water facilities.
Other parasites, like Giardia lamblia and Ascaris lumbricoides, can also find their way onto beaches due to nearby sewage pollution or contaminated soil. While Ascaris infections are uncommon in the U.S., Giardia is quite common and can cause significant gastrointestinal distress.
Viral infections, such as norovirus, can also spread at beaches. This highly contagious virus, which causes projectile vomiting and watery diarrhea, can be transmitted from person to person or through exposure to contaminated water.
Finally, various species of Vibrio bacteria that live in marine waters can cause illnesses ranging from gastrointestinal distress to life-threatening flesh-eating infections, depending on the species and mode of transmission.
With all these potential risks, how can you stay safe at the beach this summer? The good news is that there are several simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your family:- Wear pool or water shoes on the beach and in the water to avoid direct contact with potentially contaminated sand.
- Try to keep your mouth closed when underwater, and avoid swallowing any water.
- Wash your hands thoroughly in clean water after being on the beach, and avoid putting your hands in your mouth while at the beach.
- Shower after every beach excursion to rinse away any potential contaminants.
By being aware of the potential risks and taking these precautions, you can ensure that your summer beach vacation is filled with fun, sun, and good health.
To a happy, healthy summer,
Rachel Mace
Managing Editorial Director, e-Alert
with contributions from the research team
P.S. The secret to summer weight loss? Find out here.
Sources:
Dr. Faith Coleman. (2023). Beach germs exposed: How to avoid infections hiding in the sand and surf.
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