As powerful as tropical storms may be, a study conducted by scientists from the University of Southern California has revealed an unexpected consequence: deadly germs.
The study, which was published this week in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, analyzed samples of stormwater from California’s Central Valley and found that the water was filled with a connection of nasty bacteria and viruses. Some of the pathogens found in the samples included E. coli, Legionella, Salmonella, and Shigella.
The team discovered that while some of the pathogens came from the beginning of the stormwater, others appeared to have been added as the water moved through different locations, such as urban regions with sewage systems. The team believes that this could be because weaker points in a sewage system were overwhelmed by the sheer volume of water created by the hurricane.
The team also found that some of the strains of bacteria and viruses in the samples were resistant to antibiotics, making them potentially dangerous for anyone exposed to them. This is especially concerning for people living near an area where a tropical storm passed through, as they may be as much as 10 times more likely to be infected by a disease caused by waterborne pathogens than those living farther away.
However, the researchers don’t want anyone to panic just yet. They claim that, while their findings are concerning, it is important to remember that the levels of pathogen in stormwater are still smaller than the levels found in human sewage, and that most people are unlikely to suffer from a serious health problem caused by contact with stormwater.
Still, the team recommends that individuals remain vigilant if they have been in contact with or near stormwater, and always follow proper safety protocols when handling or being around any kind of source of water.
Tropical storms may cause great destruction and turmoil, but the findings of this study demonstrate that they can also carry with them a second threat: deadly germs. By understanding the level and types of pathogens that storms can bring with them, we can better prepare ourselves for any potential dangers and keep ourselves safe.
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