Dangerous enterococci: Klagenfurt warns of Baden in the Sattnitz!

Dangerous enterococci: Klagenfurt warns of Baden in the Sattnitz!

Klagenfurt, Österreich - In Klagenfurt there is currently no all -clear for the Sattnitz river. Today, a high concentration of enterococci was found in the water. These bacteria come from the intestine and can trigger various infections such as bladder infections and wound infections. In view of this situation, the city of Klagenfurt continues to advise against bathing in the river, both for humans and for animals. There are concerns about water quality and the city has intensified the investigation.

The city administration has excluded the possibility of agricultural use in the catchment area as the cause of the contamination. In particular, the manure is not identified on fields on fields as caused, since the values in the affected area were in the normal range. The examinations are now focusing on the houses along the river course to check possible instructions from wastewater. The city carries out weekly water samples and works closely with the state of Carinthia.

risks by enterococcal

As experts have emphasized, enterococcal lactic acid bacteria that occur in the environment as well as in humans and animals. There are about 25 different enterococcal species, some of them can cause serious diseases in immunocompromised persons. Possible diseases include blood poisoning, pairing infections, urinary tract infections and abdominal infections. It is particularly worrying that certain tribes of enterococcons are also antibiotic resistant, which makes treatment difficult.

The risk of contamination is not only limited to the river. Enterococcons can also occur in drinking water. Fecal contamination usually gets into drinking water through hygienic problems or technical disorders. In Germany, there is a limit of zero enterococci per 100 milliliters of drinking water. If these bacteria are detected, measures must be taken, in particular the boiling of the water in order to avoid health risks. Boiled water, on the other hand, is harmless for consumption, the preparation of food or wound cleaning.

monitoring of water quality

The monitoring of drinking water quality is subject to strict microbiological-regulatory requirements. These are based on the Infection Protection Act and the Drinking Water Ordinance. The most common pathogens that can occur in the water include not only enterococci, but also salmonella, shigelles and E. coli. With routine monitoring, these pathogens are specifically tested. A negative result for E. coli in 100 milliliters of water indicates that there are no dangerous microorganisms in questionable concentrations. In the event of health disorders or frequent diseases, special pathogens are specifically examined.

The Federal Environment Agency has essential tasks in relation to the microbiology of drinking water. These include the development of criteria for examination procedures and the advice of international bodies in legal requirements. Risk estimates are also carried out to ensure the safety of the water quality.