Tag

Water Safety

All articles tagged with #water safety

environment13 days ago•4 min saved

Raw sewage spill shuts Potomac to recreation as cleanup stretches on

A major raw-sewage spill from a collapsed Potomac pipe near Cabin John (Jan. 19) has led to a river-use ban: no swimming, fishing, boating, or pet contact, as cleanup continues with DC Water using bypass pumps and a temporary canal. About 40 million gallons leaked daily at first; drinking water remains safe since intakes are upstream. E. coli near the spill spiked to 26x EPA limits, though downstream testing was safe; other bacteria linked to infections were detected. Repairs are hindered by rock in the line and could take weeks, and officials warn the river's long-term environmental impact may be significant, with renewed advisories likely as weather warms.

via Axios|

#dc-water #e-coli #environment

science21 days ago•5 min saved

Heat Boosts Brain-Eating Amoeba Threat in Global Waters

Rising temperatures expand Naegleria fowleri’s habitat in warm freshwater, raising the global risk of deadly infections that occur when contaminated water enters the nose. Infections are rare but highly fatal (about 95–99%). Prevention centers on avoiding nasal exposure (no submerging the head, nose clips), using sterile or boiled water for nasal rinsing, and maintaining proper chlorination and flushing of water systems, as climate change broadens the amoeba’s range in recreational waters.

via Indian Defence Review|

#brain-eating-amoeba #climate-change #naegleria-fowleri

health22 days ago•11 min saved

Urgent Action Urged on Brain-Eating Amoebas as Warming Waters Expand Risk

Scientists warn that free-living amoebas, notably Naegleria fowleri, may pose a growing global health threat as hotter waters expand their habitats. Infections are rare but almost always fatal and occur when contaminated water enters the nose, not by drinking. Amoebas survive in biofilms and cysts, complicating elimination and enabling them to shield other pathogens. Climate change worsens the risk by creating more warm freshwater where people swim or splash, while routine monitoring remains limited due to cost and technical challenges. Prevention hinges on robust water chlorination, flushing hot water systems, safer nasal rinsing, and public awareness while researchers seek better detection and integrated environmental–clinical responses.

via The Conversation|

#brain-infection #climate-change #free-living-amoebas

health1 month ago•1 min saved

Christ Reports Six Cases of Legionella Pneumonia

Christ Hospital in Cincinnati has identified six cases of Legionella pneumonia over the past three months, with three resulting in death. The hospital has responded by testing water systems and installing filters to prevent further cases.

via WKRC|

#health #hospital #legionella

health5 months ago•6 min saved

Berkshire Health Reports Multiple Cases of Legionnaires' Disease

Seven patients at Berkshire Medical Center tested positive for Legionella bacteria, with one death possibly linked to the infection. The hospital has increased water safety measures, including chlorination and filtration, and is working with health authorities to eliminate the bacteria from its water system. Legionella, which causes Legionnaires' disease, spreads through aerosolized water and is most dangerous to immunocompromised individuals. The hospital's response aims to reduce the bacteria to zero in the water supply, with ongoing testing and cooperation with public health officials.

via The Berkshire Eagle|

#health #hospital-outbreak #legionella-bacteria

health5 months ago•2 min saved

Pensacola Mom and Others Fight for Life Amid Rising Vibrio Cases in Florida

A Pensacola mother warns about the dangers of vibrio vulnificus, a flesh-eating bacteria in local waters, after nearly losing her leg from infection. She advocates for better signage and routine water testing to prevent others from suffering similar injuries, highlighting the current lack of testing and public awareness despite the low infection rates.

via WEAR-TV|

#health #infection #pensacola

health-and-environment6 months ago•3 min saved

US Beaches Closed or Warned for Fecal Bacteria Ahead of Labor Day

Many U.S. beaches are closed or under advisories due to high levels of fecal bacteria like E. coli and enterococci, which can cause illnesses. Contamination sources include runoff, sewage, and storms, especially during peak summer. Beachgoers are advised to check water conditions before swimming, avoid polluted waters, and be cautious after heavy rains to stay safe.

via The Washington Post|

#beach-closures #fecal-bacteria #health-and-environment

health6 months ago•4 min saved

CDC Drowning Prevention Program Suspended

The CDC's drowning prevention program, which focused on data collection, risk assessment, and water safety education, has been halted and potentially eliminated in the upcoming budget, raising concerns about the impact on child safety and drowning prevention efforts in the US.

via NPR|

#cdc #child-safety #drowning-prevention

health6 months ago•2 min saved

Health officials warn of deadly bacteria in Cape Cod waters after flesh-eating infections

A rare case of Vibrio vulnificus infection, a bacteria that can cause flesh-eating disease, has been reported in a swimmer at Cape Cod, prompting health warnings especially for those with open wounds or consuming raw shellfish, as the bacteria can lead to severe illness or death.

via WCVB|

#cape-cod #flesh-eating-disease #health

health6 months ago•2 min saved

Rare brain-eating amoeba cases linked to water activities at Lake of the Ozarks and Queensland

A Missouri resident infected with the rare and deadly brain-eating amoeba Naegleria fowleri, possibly from Lake of the Ozarks, is in ICU; the infection is extremely rare and linked to warm freshwater exposure, with precautions recommended for water activities.

via Hays Post|

#brain-eating-amoeba #health #lake-of-the-ozarks

health6 months ago•10 min saved

Vibrio Infections Surge Along Gulf Coast and Southeast

Dare County reports two cases of Vibrio vulnificus infections linked to swimming in Croatan Sound and issues water safety guidance to prevent recreational water-related illnesses, emphasizing hygiene, wound care, and avoiding contaminated water, especially after heavy rains.

via The Outer Banks Voice|

#dare-county #health #public-health

health6 months ago•2 min saved

Flesh-Eating Bacteria Cases Surge Along Gulf Coast and Southern US

A bacterial infection called Vibrio vulnificus, which can cause severe flesh-eating disease, is increasing in the U.S., especially along the Gulf Coast and Eastern Seaboard, partly due to climate change. Warmer waters and extreme weather events are facilitating its spread, leading to more cases and deaths. Precautions include avoiding saltwater with open cuts and seeking prompt medical attention for infections.

via Gizmodo|

#climate-change #flesh-eating-bacteria #health

crime6 months ago•2 min saved

Drunken boating incidents in North Carolina result in fatalities and injuries

A tragic boating accident on Shearon Harris Lake in North Carolina resulted in the death of 10-year-old Brooklyn Mae Carroll and serious injuries to a woman, after two individuals, including boat owner AnneMarie Flanigan and Quinten Gregory Kight, operated a boat under the influence. Kight, who has a history of legal issues, was arrested and charged with multiple felonies related to impaired boating, with the incident highlighting the dangers of alcohol and watercraft.

via ABC News|

#arrests #crime #drunken-boating

health7 months ago•5 min saved

Parents Demand Warnings After Son's Death from Brain-Eating Amoeba in South Carolina Lake

Parents are calling for increased warnings after their 12-year-old son, Jaysen Carr, died from a brain-eating amoeba contracted while swimming in Lake Murray, South Carolina. The amoeba, which thrives in warm water, entered his brain through his nose, leading to a nearly always fatal infection. The incident highlights the lack of public reporting and water testing in the area, raising concerns about awareness and safety measures for recreational water activities.

via Star Tribune|

#brain-eating-amoeba #health #jaysen-carr

health7 months ago•3 min saved

Tragic Death of Boy in South Carolina Lake Highlights Brain-Eating Amoeba Risks

A 12-year-old boy died from a brain-eating amoeba after swimming in Lake Murray, highlighting the dangers of warm freshwater lakes where Naegleria fowleri can cause fatal brain infections. The amoeba enters through the nose, with symptoms starting as headaches and nausea, and almost always resulting in death. Precautions include avoiding submerging the head in warm water, using nose clips, and ensuring water safety measures, as infections are rare but deadly.

via ABC News|

#brain-eating-amoeba #health #infection-risk