Florida

More Rain Leads to More Bacteria in Lakes, Oceans: Health Officials

While there are always bacteria and amoebas in lakes, rivers and oceans, health experts said there are higher than usual amounts right now because of recent rain.

Houston NBC affiliate KPRC reported that anyone who swims in lakes and beaches this summer is at risk for potentially dangerous bacteria. Especially those with low immune systems, like chemo patients and those with chronic liver or kidney disease.

"The bacteria is always there," The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Dr. Charles Ericsson told KPRC. "When they're high ... your risks are higher."

Eight people in Florida have been infected with a flesh eating bacteria known as Vibrio. Two of those people died.

Galveston officials said they issued swim advisories for 17 sites due to recent rain and heavy river flow.

Ericsson said the main way to prevent infection by a dangerous bacteria is to keep water out of open wounds.

Contact Us