TheIsland@GreatBrakRiver
  • Welcome to The Island@GreatBrakRiver
  • Island Blog
  • Island Amenities & Activities
    • Island Amenities & Activities
    • For the Adrenaline Junky
    • Farm Stalls & Craft Markets
    • For the Gourmand - Restaurants & Dining
    • Golf in the Garden Route
    • Park & Playground
    • Tennis
    • Swimming, Splashing & Snorkeling
    • Canoeing & Kayaking
    • Yoga
    • Beach Walking
    • Hiking & Walking >
      • Great Brak River Village - The Art Route
      • Great Brak River Village - Short Walks
      • Great Brak River Village - The Historic Route
    • Running & Cycling >
      • Great Brak River Village - Cycling Routes
      • Great Brak River Village - The Fragrance Route
    • Fishing
    • Whale and Dolphin Watching
    • Birdwatching
  • Island Etiquette & Safety
  • Getting Here
    • Getting Here
    • Vacation Rentals and Properties for Sale >
      • Plot 1
      • Plot 8 - "Water's Edge"
      • Plot 10
      • Plot 11 - "It'll Do"
      • Plot 14 - "Sandiways"
      • Plot 21 - "Hokaai"
      • Plot 22 - "Craigleith"
      • Plot 24 - "linga longa"
      • Plot 28
      • Plot 30 - "Tasvika"
      • Plot 33 - "Island Lodge B&B"
      • Plot 51 - "Joan's Place"
      • Plot 52A
      • Plot 57A
      • Plot 62 - "Offside"
      • Plot 74 - "Reier"
  • Vacation Rentals and Properties for Sale
    • Plot 1
    • Plot 8 - "Water's Edge"
    • Plot 10
    • Plot 11 - "It'll Do"
    • Plot 14 - "Sandiways"
    • Plot 21 - "Hokaai"
    • Plot 22 - "Craigleith"
    • Plot 24 - "linga longa"
    • Plot 28
    • Plot 30 - "Tasvika"
    • Plot 33 - "Island Lodge B&B"
    • Plot 51 - "Joan's Place"
    • Plot 52A
    • Plot 57A
    • Plot 62 - "Offside"
    • Plot 74 - "Reier"
  • Photo Gallery
  • Links & Resources
    • Links & Resources
  • Tide Tables
  • About Me
  • Island Residents' Association

Environmental Health Warning Issued: Don't Swim in (Local) Estuaries With Open Wounds

11/2/2016

0 Comments

 
The following article appeared in the George Herald - note that not only should you avoid swimming/wading if you have an open wound, should you scratch/gouge yourself while swimming (as did the victim in this case), it might be wise to seek medical attention.

PictureLaw enforcement officials on Wednesday ensured that the 'no access' policy was obeyed. The ban on swimming was lifted 24 hours later, on Thursday.
Don't swim in estuaries with open wounds

GEORGE NEWS - People with open wounds are warned not to swim in the Kaaimans River, or any local estuaries. 
An environmental health warning issued on Thursday during a press briefing held at the Eden District Municipality's headquarters in York Street, George, stated, "Infections may occur when open soft tissue wounds are exposed to warm estuaries."
 
This environmental health warning was issued to inform the public as to what measures to take to protect themselves against exposure to the bacteria Vibrio vulnificus.
 
Death an 'Index case'
This bacteria was identified as having caused the death of an elderly Wilderness Heights resident, Frans Heunis (81) last Friday.
 
Heunis went for a swim last Monday 1 February in the Map of Africa section of the Kaaimans River. He cut his right shin while swimming. He was treated for the cut, but became ill and lapsed into a coma.
 
As a result of his death, water samples were taken at Kaaimans River and sent away for testing. The results are being awaited.
 
At the briefing, leading George physician, Dr Stephen Hardcastle, said the death of a local man is regarded as an 'Index case', being the first case of its kind recorded in this region. It is not a notifiable disease.
 
Upon being informed, Eden DM environmental health officials sprang into action, testing the water in the Kaaimans River. Eden Manager: Municipal Health & Environmental Services, Johan Compion commission a series of water tests and, as a precaution, the Kaaimans River picnic area was closed to the public on Wednesday.
 
Kaaimans reopened
The area (adjacent to the N2) was however, re-opened the following day, upon the advice of Dr Hardcastle who indicated that the possible presence of bacteria should be treated similarly to the Red Tide incidences in the Knysna Estuary. The public is usually warned about its presence and told not to eat any shell fish for possible contamination.

His viewpoint was supported by Dr Dalene Brink, of Pathcare, an expert on bacteria.
 
Dr Brink said Vibrio vulnificus is a bacteria that occurs naturally in all rivers. It is however, high temperatures that cause it to become more harmful - but only to humans who have an open wound or scratch. Hence the warning to cover all open wounds when swimming. "The bacteria is harmless if you get the river water into your eyes or even swallow it."
 
The EDM said in their press release, "Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium found naturally worldwide in warm coastal waters. It rarely causes diseases. There is no association with sewage contamination." 
Kaaimans pristine
 
Clive Africa, EDM's executive manager of Community Services said, "The Kaaimans River is in a pristine condition. We do not want to spark of any panic."
 
But shell fish collectors are nonetheless warned not to eat raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters harvested from warm waters. They should also wear gloves and disinfect boards and knives used for seafood to avoid cross contamination.
 
Chronic patients
The press release states, "Persons with underlying medical conditions, any chronic condition especially liver disease and diabetes, may be at increased risk of serious infection. Infections are seasonal and 85% occur in the summer months. Transient environmental factors such as warm water and moderate salinity can increase the number of Vibrio vulnificus in shellfish.
 
Infection may occur in a pre-existing wound and cause soft tissue infection with severe pain or diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Any of these symptoms need medical attention.
 
Beaches safeIn the presence of officials of SANPArks, CapeNature, Eden officials and Dr Terence Marshall of the Western Cape Health Department, Clive Africa said the public would be kept abreast of further developments. It was confirmed that the bacteria dies in seawater where the saline content is high. It is therefore considered completely safe to swim at local beaches like Victoria Bay and Leentjiesklip.
 
Compion confirmed that to monitor the situation, special water tests will be done on all estuaries and rivers in the Eden District. The monitoring action will be carried out from the Gourits River mouth and will stretch to Nature's Valley in the East. Compion said that the typical habitat of the bacteria is where sea water and fresh water meet, where the saline content is diluted and the water temperature rise above 20 degrees celsius.

Picture
Clive Africa (left) and Vernon Gibbs-Hall at the entrance to the Kaaimans River Mouth recreational area on Wednesday when it was closed to the public and water samples were taken.  ​
Picture
On Thursday Dr Dalene Brink, a local expert on bacteria said Vibrio vulnificus, a bacteria found naturally worldwide in warm coastal waters is more virulent when water temperatures rise. With her are Eden Councillor Henry McCombi (left) and Eden DM Acting MM Clive Africa. Photo: Pauline Lourens  
 
Click here for previous articles:
  • Kaaimans River opened
  • Kaaimans River closed 
ARTICLE: PAULINE LOURENS, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'

14:07 (GMT+2), Thu, 11 February 2016
0 Comments

Eden District Municipality Update: Urgent Notification (for Bathers)

11/2/2016

0 Comments

 
​I spotted the following Urgent Notification on Eden District Municipality's website after seeing an article in the George Herald (see subsequent post).  If you swim or wade in any of the local estuaries - including the Great Brak River - please exercise caution.

URGENT NOTIFICATION
Thursday, 11 February 2016
A relatively fit 81 year old Caucasian male died on Friday, 5 February 2016 after swimming in the Kaaimans River and died within 72 hours, after admission to the George Medi-Clinic Hospital.  Microbiological testing of the wound area of the diseased confirmed that the bacteria, Vibrio vulnificus was present.  According to the CDC in the USA, the mortality rate after Vibrio vulnificus infection is between 36%-50%.

This bacteria is found naturally worldwide in warm coastal waters and there is no association with sewage contamination.  Vibrio vulnificus infection is not a notifiable disease in RSA, but in the USA (Atlanta Georgia) is it notifiable.

For the bacteria to increase to the point where it can cause harm to humans, the water temperature should be between 20⁰C and 31⁰C.  The salinity of the water should also be not too salt or too fresh, i.e. brackish water normally found around the point of interface between the oceanic water and rivers. Transmission is from eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters harvested from warm waters. Infections may occur when open soft tissue wounds are exposed to warm estuaries (If the person is immune compromised the risk of infection is increased).

The Eden Environmental Health section has indicated that for the time being no beaches will be closed or official warning signage will be erected, their actions will be limited to public awareness and education as well as the inclusion of testing for the bacteria, Vibrio vulnificus, as part of their current water sampling program. In addition they will also focus their sampling on areas where the water temperature as well as salinity levels could be conducive to the multiplication of the bacteria Vibrio vulnificus.

For any further information, please contact:

Mr. Clive Africa – Executive Manager:  Community Services, contact number 083 253 3928 or Mr. Johan Compion – Manager: Municipal Health and Environmental Services, contact number 082 803 5161.

END

Last Updated ( Thursday, 11 February 2016 )
 
PRESS RELEASE - VIBRIO VULNIFICUS
Thursday, 11 February 2016
Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium found naturally worldwide in warm coastal waters.  It is a rare cause of disease.  There is no association with sewage contamination.

Transmission is from eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters harvested from warm waters. Infections may occur when open soft tissue wounds are exposed to warm estuaries.

Persons with underlying medical conditions, any chronic condition especially liver disease and diabetes, may be at increased risk of serious infection. Infections are seasonal and 85% occur in the summer months. Transient environmental factors such as warm water and moderate salinity can increase the number of Vibrio vulnificus in shellfish.

Infection may occur in a pre-existing wound and cause soft tissue infection with severe pain or cause diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Any of these symptom need medical attention.

(Please add table 3: Recommendations for reducing the risk of Vibrio vulnificus infection)
 
For any further information, please contact:

Mr. Clive Africa – Executive Manager:  Community Services, contact number 083 253 3928 or Mr. Johan Compion – Manager: Municipal Health and Environmental Services, contact number 082 803 5161.

END

Last Updated ( Thursday, 11 February 2016 )
0 Comments

Another Spectacular Day on The Island...

19/12/2015

0 Comments

 
It's been another glorious day here on The Island...  and still pretty quiet, which is a bonus.  Oh, and, I have it on good authority that no less than 3 octopuses (note to wanna-be grammar police: "octopi" isn't actually etymologically correct!) were spotted in the river by a rather timid and at times shrieking swimmer - yes, that's what all the commotion was about early this morning!
Picture
0 Comments

Another Great Afternoon Lazing by the Great Brak River

17/12/2013

0 Comments

 
hmmm, is it me, or is the water a bit chillier than usual this season?
Picture
0 Comments

    Author

    TheIsland@GreatBrak features the occasional blogpost in between braaiing and beach walks - stay tuned or drop me a line.

    Picture

    Archives

    December 2018
    December 2017
    April 2017
    February 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    October 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    August 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012

    Categories

    All
    2013/14 Holiday Season
    2014/15 Holiday Season
    2015/16 Holiday Season
    Adrenaline
    Anything That Floats - 2013
    Anything That Floats 2015
    Anything That Floats 2016
    Art Galleries & Exhibitions
    Auctions
    Beach
    Beach Walks
    Beer
    Birds
    Bootcamp
    Braai
    Bridge
    Coastal Cleanup
    Cycling
    Diaz Express
    Exercise
    Fishing
    Food
    George Agricultural Show
    Getting Here
    Golf
    Great Brak Muse Fest
    Great Brak River Community Network
    Great Brak River Tourism Initiative
    Hiking
    Island Life
    Kayaking
    Kite Surfing
    Klein Karoo
    Loadshedding
    Load Shedding
    Lost & Found
    Markets
    Meerkats
    Mountain Biking
    Mouth
    Music
    Neat Websites Apps
    Night Time Paddling
    Ocearch-shark-tracker
    Oudtshoorn
    Paddling
    Paragliding
    Photos
    Pilates
    Pinnacle Point Caves Points Of Human Origin
    Rheenendal Ramble
    Road Trips
    Roadworks
    Running
    Sedgefield
    Sharks
    Ships
    Stars
    Sunset
    Swimming
    Things To Do
    Tide Pools
    Trans Agulhas Challenge
    Vacation Rentals
    Village Marching Band
    Vistas
    Where To Eat
    Yoga


    Subscribe in a reader

    Get the latest Island blog updates delivered direct to your inbox:

    Enter your email address:

    Delivered by FeedBurner