16 Diseases To Watch Out For At the Beach

Hookworm

Nothing could make you regret a romantic stroll down the beach more than hookworm. You’ll want to watch where you step, says Cole Beeler, MD, an infection prevention specialist at Indiana University Health. “Dogs poop on the beach, and sometimes this poop has hookworm larvae in it,” warns Dr. Beeler. “If you step on this poop without knowing it, these larvae can penetrate through your skin and crawl around until they eventually die.” As if that visual isn’t enough to keep you up at night, hookworm can cause a rash and intense itching.