Visakhapatnam: Think twice before venturing into the sea to have fun in the water at Vizag beaches. You might be at risk. Apart from the fear of drowning due to rip currents, Vizag beaches are also not safe on health aspects.
Recent studies at five beaches which locals and tourists frequent indicated that there are harmful bacteria like coliforms, faecal coliforms, E Coli and Enterococci, which may cause stomach issues, blisters, and other skin infections.
A detailed study of ‘Bacteria of the recreational beach waters of Visakhapatnam, India’ was conducted by researchers at the department of marine living resources of Andhra University which was published in International Journal Of Recent Scientific Research.
However, in a relief, there was no incidence of Vibrio cholera in beach waters. The bacteria are caused due to the release of sewers into the sea and other contamination.
The E Coli was confirmed by Gram’s staining tests. Isolated colonies with greenish metallic sheen and dark purple centered colonies were observed in the samples collected. E Coli was positive to indole and methyl red tests.
Some types of E Coli can cause diarrhoea. Some strains may also cause severe anaemia or kidney failure, which can lead to death. Other strains of E Coli can cause urinary tract infections or other infections.
"Bacteria found in Vizag seawaters may not harm those having good resistance towards diseases. Otherwise, these bacteria would definitely cause health ailments. Beach waters are generally used for recreation and swimming activities. Untreated waters due to urbanisation, industrialisation and other commercial activities, when released increase the bacterial loads that are detrimental to the ecosystem and to human health and welfare. Food leftovers on the beach by the tourists and vendors should be checked and cleared regularly," Prof M.S. Chakravarthy of the department of marine living resources told this newspaper.
