Clive Anderson
BEACH CLOSINGS and advisories not to swim in certain areas are not uncommon events. They are usually based on tests indicating high levels of microscopic disease-causing bacteria in the water. Often, the pathogens are from human and animal waste.
In Jamaica, like in many developing nations, a large portion of the sewage generated by our population enters our streams and the sea untreated. In addition, runoff after heavy rains can adversely affect water quality.
Pollution of the watershed areas - especially as a result of squatter communities and the use of toxic substances such as pesticides, herbicides, and fertilisers - combined with the loss of the filtering effect of the mangroves, results in increased bacterial, viral and toxin pollution of rivers, streams and eventually, the sea. To make matters worse, there is evidence that inert materials like bottles, tyres and plastic provide niches for bacteria and viruses, prolonging their survival.
POLLUTANTS
Water that is polluted may contain several different pathogens. These include:
Enteric pathogens that live in the human intestines and can carry a number of infectious diseases like salmonelliosis, shigellosis, and
gastro-enteritis.
Viruses that cause a number of swimming-related diseases. They are responsible for another type of gastro-enteritis, hepatitis, ear, nose and throat problems and some respiratory illnesses.
Protozoans like amoebae cause giardiasis, amoebic dysentery, pink eye and skin rashes.
Swimmers in these waters are exposed to pathogens, toxins and irritants that can enter the ears, eyes, nose and mouth. The skin is especially vulnerable from direct exposure to infectious agents and chemicals. This exposure can lead to a variety of health problems, including an itchy dermatitis, folliculitis - skin infection around the hair follicules or deep tissue - and blood infection through open cuts. There is also strong evidence that absorption of toxins through the skin could result in rapid spread throughout the body leading to serious health consequences.
GETTING SICK
Swimming in polluted water can make you
sick. Gastro-enteritis is a frequent occurrence
after swimming in polluted water. Swimmers
may become ill within 10 days of exposure with diarrhoea and vomiting.
Ear, nose and throat infections are common,
especially in children.
Not all skin conditions occurring after swimming are related to infections. Swimmers itch is a dermatitis presenting as itchy bumps forming under the areas covered by the bathing suit. This condition is caused by the larval form of a snail penetrating the skin, causing a very itchy irritation.
It is wise to heed the warnings and avoid
swimming in polluted waters. Stay away from beaches with lots of debris strewn around. Think twice about swimming in the rivers or the sea near to a river mouth, especially after heavy rains.
Dr. Clive Anderson is a
dermatologist and venereologist;
email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
