There is a health alert on the Croatian island of Korčula, a popular tourist destination. A routine inspection by the environmental agency revealed a high concentration of the fecal germ Escherichia coli (E. coli) in the water of the dream beach in the municipality of Smokvica, reports “Bild.deThe germ can cause gastrointestinal problems in swimmers as well as infections of the ears, eyes, nasal passages and skin.
Authorities advise against swimming “until further notice.”
The Institute of Public Health of Dubrovnik-Neretva County warns according to “Today“: “Since the sea sample on the beach of the Hotel Lume in Smokvica on the island of Korčula does not meet the requirements of the regulation due to fecal pollution, swimming is not recommended until further notice.” Typically the water quality in Korčula is excellent, as the peninsula is influenced by sea currents, the Pelješki channel is washed away.
The cause of high E. coli levels is unclear
It is not yet clear what caused the pollution. The last inspection, a few days earlier, had been awarded top marks. According to “Bild”, the environmental authority rated 116 of the 121 beaches “excellent”, four “very good” and one “satisfactory”. Intensive tests are now underway until the Adriatic is clean again and the green light is given.
Health hazard when swimming in the North Sea and Baltic Sea
But it’s not just abroad that swimming can pose a health risk. German tourist regions are currently issuing a warning Vibrios in the North Sea and Baltic SeaIn mid-June, the State Office for Health and Social Affairs (Lagus) in Rostock reported the first case of infection in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.