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Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director of Doctissimo)
After postponing the meeting several times, the mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo assures that she will take the plunge into the Seine after July 14. What does she risk by bathing in the river, which seems to be unsuitable for swimming? Update with Dr Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor and member of the Doctissimo expert committee.
Will dive or not dive? Although the official date of her bath in the Seine has been postponed several times, the mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo still seems determined to bathe in the waters of the river.
A dive planned before the Olympic Games
“We decided not to do it during the legislative elections. We are postponing swimming until after the week of July 14th.” she declared this Wednesday, June 19 at city hall, during a press conference on the Olympic Games.
Anne Hidalgo should therefore take the plunge into the Seine “July 15, 16 or 17, or the week after depending on the weather, but of course before the opening ceremony of the Games.”
What are the risks of swimming in unclean water?
Various analyzes carried out by the NGO Surfrider Foundation show that the water of the Seine contains fecal and pathogenic bacteria and that swimming is not recommended in these conditions, because it represents a health risk.
This is also the case for swimming in unclean water, even in a swimming pool or any other place. “Swimming in cloudy or green pool water carries significant health risks” confirms Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of Doctissimo.
Infectious and dermatological consequences
Indeed, cloudy or green water indicates a proliferation of microorganisms – such as bacteria or algae – due to a lack of water treatment or filtration. Some of these bacteria can be pathogenic and transmit diseases. According to the doctor, a person who bathes in unclean water risks several things, including:
- Skin irritation, called dermatitis;
- Conjunctivitis with red and swollen eyes;
- Otitis, which are ear infections;
- Gastroenteritis, with diarrhea and vomiting in the event of accidental ingestion of water;
- A respiratory infection;
- Leptospirosis, a pathology transmitted by rats.
Which populations are particularly at risk and who should avoid swimming?
These disorders represent a risk for everyone, but certain categories of more fragile people are even more exposed. “Pregnant women, children and the elderly are more vulnerable and likely to develop severe forms of these infections. warns Gérald Kierzek. “They must absolutely not bathe in potentially contaminated water”.
Finally, our expert also recalls the importance of “respecting the displays” and “systematically taking a shower after swimming”.