Botulism found in Ostrich/Belstead Creek.

[toyboy]

I have just been informed Botulism has been found in Ostrich Creek/Belstead Brook and some local sailing has been cancelled. This is where Fox's is but I don't know how dangerous this stuff is if at all even if you are careful about where you swim or fall in the hogging.

 

[Sixpence]

If true then yes, pretty nasty by the sound of it http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Botulism/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Symptoms as listed, and it's a 999 call for ambulance if suspected
Might be worth clarifying before worrying though, mind you, I don't think many will venture into the water right now, not exactly scorching out there

 

[Bru]

Having prepared quite a few risk assessments for water related activities I'm well aware that Clostridium botulinum is very common in soil and water (Inc seawater)

So common in fact that the surprise would be if it wasn't found

Its only a problem when the bacterial spores are deprived of oxygen as they then produce lethal toxins

There's a low risk associated with wounds and a theoretical risk from ingestion of water where the bacteria is present but it wasn't something that featured very high in the received advice if indeed it was mentioned at all

Its always sensible to mention to your GP that you engage in watersports if you have symptoms of a flu like nature or unusual fatigue, etc but your unlikely to pick up anything nasty if you are sensible

 

[toyboy]

I have spent my life messing around on the Orwell without coming to harm and at one time raw sewage was pumped out by the creek so I maybe naturally immune. However I do know of a bait digger who contacted Weals Disease and was extremely ill for a while. There has been some dredging in the creek recently so maybe that disturbed something.

 

[Bru]

Weils Disease is contracted from animal urine and is generally associated with stagnant water

It's rare but nasty

 

[PeterWright]

Botulism or C.Botulinum?

As Erbas says, if the finding is of bacteria C. Botulinum, that is fairly unremarkable. If, however as the OP writes, the finding is of Botulism, i.e. the illness caused by toxins formed by particular forms of decay of the bacterium, that is a real cause for concern - these toxins are amongst the most lethal known and can be fatal in infinitesimal doses. Happily infection by them is a rare event.

 

[Otter]

We're due back on Monday. I'm worried about this and wonder if I should stop the family drinking the seawater in Fox's Marina? We're talking kids here, so it's important.

 

[toyboy]

A local sailing club has cancelled all their childrens events but continuing with the adult dinghy sailing.

 

[nauticalnomad]

Ive worked with a colleague who developed Weils disease out in the middle east and it was traced back to the imported soft drink cans and rats pissing on the cans during transit etc...