The dangerous Vibrio vulnificus bacteria is becoming more and more common in the Baltic Sea. Climate change is to blame
The authors of The Lancet Countdown report mention the increasingly frequent appearance of the Vibrio vulnificus strain in the waters of the Baltic Sea among the threats caused by climate change. This is important because it is a dangerous bacteria for humans.
Based on the report, Onet journalists write about an increase from 5.1 to 11.8 percent. the surface of the Baltic coast, where the appearance of bacteria has already been observed. The increase is a comparison of data from the period 1982-1986 and 2014-2018. According to current forecasts, this growth is expected to accelerate further.
Vibrio vulnificus works similarly to cholera vibrio. It can enter the human body through wounds and abrasions. It is also found in fish. It causes necrotizing cellulitis, leading to amputation and even death.
This year, five cases of infection with the Vibrio vulnificus bacterium have been reported in Germany, including one fatality. In our region, bacteria are favored by the low salinity of the Baltic Sea. However, it has the best conditions for development when the water temperature is higher than 18 degrees Celsius.
