Baltic bacteria could thrive due to climate change

Warmer waters in the Baltic Sea off Sweden’s east coast are encouraging the growth of dangerous vibrio bacteria, according to new research published in the scientific journal Nature Climate Change.

The researchers found that temperatures in the Baltic have risen by up to one degree Celsius per decade since 1982, and see a link between the rising temperatures and the number of illnesses caused by the bacteria in the countries around the sea, reports Swedish news agency TT.

Vibrio bacteria can cause stomach problems, but can also infect open wounds and cause septicemia.

The researchers warn that global warming could mean even warmer temperatures in the sea, meaning the bacteria could flourish, and more humans could be at risk of infection as more take a dip in the Baltic.

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