16 Diseases To Watch Out For At the Beach

Shigellosis 
Caused by the Shigella bacteria, this illness can cause diarrhea (often bloody), fever and stomach cramps that usually come on a day or two after exposure. The disease is typically transmitted when sewage runs into the water or swimmers (typically toddlers who aren’t fully potty trained) introduce the bacteria. Shigellosis usually goes away after 5 to 7 days without antibiotic treatment and is only rarely serious. In rare cases, joint pain, eye irritation and painful urination can develop. Shigellosis can be prevented by careful hand washing (as well as supervising hand washing of small children), and avoiding swallowing water from untreated water areas.