General · 14 July 2026
Flesh-eating bacteria risk spikes in 11 European holiday spots
Photo by Araf Ibne Alam on Unsplash
Health experts warn that Vibrio bacteria, often called a flesh-eating bug, are thriving in warm European coastal waters, posing a risk to swimmers. Eleven countries, including France, Germany, Poland, and parts of the UK, were identified as having a high risk of infection by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Vibrio bacteria risk has risen "quickly to unusually high levels" this summer, potentially causing severe wound infections, sepsis, or illness from contaminated seafood.
Reported by The Sun · How we write briefs