Researchers discovered that the seaweed mass, which is accumulating on Florida’s coastline, could be carrying flesh eating bacteria. They warn that this blob may contain pathogens with devastating effects for both human and marine health.
Scientists warn Sargassum can act as a habitat to marine life, and it may carry plastic and debris along its path. Florida’s warm climate favors Vibrio bacteria to survive in the blob. This can increase the risk of flesh eating inflammations.
Scientists advise beachgoers not to eat seaweed in order to protect their health. Researchers found that the main species of bacteria were not present in the samples, but there was a new type of bacteria similar to vibrio bacteria.
Vibrio bacteria is present in many waters around the world and is one of the main causes of death for marine life and humans. It is not the seaweed that’s the problem, but any plastics. Vibrio bacteria can live in microplastics.
Vibrio bacteria can cause infections in fish that consume plastic. This could lead to a leakage of toxins into their gut. This could cause the release of nitrogen and phosphate, which can stimulate the growth of Sargassum.
The seaweed can still pose a serious health risk for humans, even if it doesn’t contain flesh-eating bacteria. Gases such as hydrogen sulfide could be released and cause irritation to the throat or eyes.
Florida Department of Health released a warning to people not to swim or make contact with the seaweed. The goal is to prevent possible Vibrio infections.
Beachgoers should exercise caution as bacteria can enter the body through minor injuries such as scratches, scrapes or cuts. Even though infections are rare, they can have serious consequences.
