Biotech
Friday, June 28th, 2024 7:10 pm EDT
Key Points
- Harmful E.coli bacteria levels have been found to be alarmingly high in the River Thames, posing health risks just before the Henley Regatta, where around 4,000 rowers from across the globe are set to compete.
- Water quality testing by the River Action campaign group revealed E.coli levels up to 27 times the acceptable limit for bathing water, with an average of 1,213 CFUs per 100ml, significantly exceeding the Environment Agency’s standards.
- The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported a rise in E.coli cases, including deaths from the Shiga-toxin-producing strain, urging the public to be aware of symptoms like diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and fever, amidst concerns over water pollution management by Thames Water and government authorities.
Just days before the prestigious Henley Regatta, alarming levels of harmful E.coli bacteria have been detected in the River Thames, prompting serious health concerns among anti-pollution campaigners. The international rowing event, which attracts around 4,000 rowers for 400 races, is scheduled to begin on Tuesday. Water quality testing by the River Action campaign group found E.coli bacteria levels up to 27 times higher than the acceptable limit for bathing water, raising concerns about public health amidst a rise in E.coli cases in the U.K. While E.coli is generally harmless, some strains can produce toxins that cause severe illness. Testing in the Henley Mile section of the regatta course revealed an average of 1,213 E.coli colony forming units (CFUs) per 100ml of water from May 23 to June 25, with more than half of the readings exceeding the Environment Agency’s safety threshold of 900 CFUs/100ml. The highest recorded level was 25,000 CFUs/100ml.
River Action CEO James Wallace criticized the government and Thames Water for their inadequate management of water hygiene, urging urgent investment in upgrading wastewater treatment plants and fixing leaky infrastructure to prevent serious health consequences. Thames Water dismissed the findings as “alarmist” and claimed it was monitoring bacteria levels. The Henley Royal Regatta committee’s chair, Sir Steve Redgrave, highlighted the significant impact of sewage pollution on competitors and athletes training nationwide. Organizers have advised rowers to cover cuts and avoid swallowing river water during the event, which runs until Sunday.
The health concerns are underscored by a recent rise in E.coli cases in the U.K. Two individuals with underlying health conditions have died following infection with the Shiga-toxin-producing E.coli strain (STEC), with one death likely linked to the infection. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported 275 confirmed cases of STEC as of June 25, urging the public to be vigilant for symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and fever. The STEC strain is suspected to have spread through lettuce leaves in pre-packaged sandwiches.
Overall, the discovery of high E.coli levels in the River Thames presents a significant health risk for the Henley Regatta participants and spectators, emphasizing the urgent need for improved water management and pollution control measures.
For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/06/28/uk-ecoli-outbreak-bacteria-in-thames-ahead-of-rowing-henley-regatta.html
