E. coli was found in the water at three beaches in Mykolaiv

E. coli and intestinal enterococci were detected in the water at three beaches in Mykolaiv; however, no cholera vibrio was found.

This was reported by the Mykolaiv Regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine.

According to the center’s specialists, this week they tested water samples from several bodies of water in the region:

• the Ingul River—the “Strilka” beach in Mykolaiv;
• the Southern Bug River—the “Rainbow” beach in Pervomaisk and the city beach in Pivdennoukrainsk;
• the Sofiivka Reservoir—the children’s swimming area at the “Pelagiivskyi” camp in the village of Pelagiivka, Bashtanka District;
• the Bug Estuary—“Chaika” Beach and the “Namiv” recreational area in Mykolaiv;
• Tiligul Estuary—recreational areas in the villages of Koblevo and Ukrainka.

Where the water does not meet standards

Samples from three locations were found to be unsatisfactory based on microbiological indicators:

• “Strilka” Beach on the Ingul River;
• “Chaika” Beach on the Bug Estuary;
• the “Namiv” recreational area on the Bug Estuary.

E. coli and intestinal enterococci were detected in these samples. The center explained that the presence of these bacteria indicates poor water quality at the specified locations, so swimming there may pose a health risk.

At the same time, the center clarified that no Vibrio cholerae was detected in any of the samples.

The Mykolaiv Regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention advises that when choosing a place to relax near the water, people should look for areas officially designated for swimming, pay attention to warning signs, and follow the rules for safe recreation on the water.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacterium that normally lives in the intestines of humans and animals. Most strains are harmless, but some can cause disease.

Pathogenic strains of E. coli can cause intestinal infections with diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. The bacterium can also cause urinary tract infections and, in severe cases, kidney damage and sepsis.

Ірина Глухова