Wild swimming linked to higher risk of stomach bugs and skin rashes

Findings from research into illnesses associated with bathing in lakes and rivers come amid boom in hobby Wild swimming has been linked to a higher risk of stomach bugs and skin rashes, according to the largest ever controlled study of illnesses associated with bathing in rivers and lakes. The research found that swimmers at locations in Hungary were more than twice as likely to develop skin problems, while the risk of contracting a stomach bug rose significantly in water with higher concentrations of E coli and other bacteria linked to faecal pollution. The findings raise questions about the World Health Organization’s decision not to include E coli as a recommended indicator of pollution in freshwater bathing sites, amid growing public concern over water quality and a boom in outdoor swimming. The study involved 2,368 people at two river and two lake-like bathing sites in Hungary. Participants were randomly allocated either to spend 10 minutes in the water, immersing their face at least three times, or to remain on the shore without entering it. Water was sampled throughout the trials, allowing researchers to estimate each swimmer’s exposure to E coli, intestinal enterococci and

Aug 27, 2026 → Aug 27, 2026