Researchers in Florida, the Sunshine State surrounded by beaches, had announced that people swimming in subtropical waters face an increased risk by 37% of being exposed to the dangerous Staphylococcus (staph) bacteria, including the Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).  Swimmers with open wounds and those with compromised immune systems face the greatest risk of infection.

Dr. Lisa Plano presented the findings of her team from the University of Miami at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Chicago.  Her research did not identify all sources of bacterial contamination but says the biggest source of contamination is probably other swimmers.  It’s also possible, she suggests, that the bacteria is left behind on the sand where a previous swimmer or sunbather has been.  She suggested further research to more precisely identify contaminants.

To test the bacterial content of ocean water at public beaches, more than 1,000 people frolicked in the surf at a popular Florida beach.  After 15 minutes of fun, the swimmers collected a jug of sea water for analysis.

Testing indicated the presence of staph bacteria in 37% of the samples collected.  Three percent of them contained the MRSA bacterium.

Plano does not advocate avoiding public beaches but does urge a few precautions.  Take a shower before getting in the water to wash away as many of your own germs as possible then shower again once beach time is over.  And wait until wounds heal completely before getting into the water.