Swimmers using public ocean beaches increase their risk for exposure to staph organisms, and may increase their risk for potential staph infections once they enter the water.
Research, funded by multiple agencies and conducted by the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science and Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine.
“Our study found that if you swim in subtropical marine waters, you have a significant chance — approximately 37 percent – of being exposed to staph — either yours or possibly that from someone else in the water near you,” explained Dr. Lisa Plano, associate professor of pediatrics and microbiology and immunology at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine, who collaborated in the study, the first large epidemiologic survey of its kind.
“This exposure might lead to staph infection since people colonized with the bacteria carry it into the water with them. Those with open wounds or who are immune compromised are at greatest risk of infection.” The good news: results show the potentially virulent varie…
Read more Swimmers at public beaches exposed to contagious staph bacteria