These are the health consequences of "swimming" in stagnant rainwater.

During the rainy season, it is common for many streets, land, and coastal areas to flood or accumulate large amounts of rainwater. However, in some places (particularly in urban areas), some people venture out. “swimming” or playing in puddles, canals or bodies of stagnant water, without considering the health risks this entails.

Although it may seem like a harmless or even fun activity, especially among children and teenagers, contact with stagnant water poses a serious health hazard.

READ: Flooding surprises merchants at the Mercado de Abastos. Why is stagnant rainwater dangerous?

Rainwater, when it accumulates, ceases to be clean almost immediately after hitting the ground. When it stagnates, It mixes waste, animal excrement, chemicals, urban waste, human feces (in areas with collapsed drains), and decomposing organic matter. All this makes it an ideal medium for the development of bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi.

Main health consequences

Below are some of the most common illnesses and conditions resulting from contact with stagnant water:

READ: "Diving Contest" Held at Abastos Market After Flood (VIDEO) Skin Infections

Contaminated water can cause anything from mild irritations to serious infections such as:

• Dermatitis (redness, itching, rash).
• Mycosis (fungus on feet or body).
• Bacterial cellulitis, a painful infection that requires medical treatment.

Conjunctivitis

Eye contact with contaminated water can cause eye inflammation, redness, itching, and discharge. Infectious conjunctivitis is highly contagious.

Gastrointestinal infections

If you accidentally ingest stagnant rainwater, it can cause:

• Acute diarrhea.
• Vomiting, fever and abdominal pain.
• Bacterial or viral gastroenteritis, caused by microorganisms such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella or Rotavirus.

Otitis or ear infections

Especially common in children, when dirty water gets into the ear canal, which can inflame it and cause pain, discharge, or temporary hearing loss.

Leptospirosis

A serious disease caused by a bacteria present in the urine of animals, such as rats. It enters the body through wounds or mucous membranes through contact with contaminated water. It can cause high fever, muscle pain, jaundice, and even kidney or liver failure if left untreated.

Hepatitis A

A virus transmitted through water or food contaminated with fecal matter. It causes liver inflammation, intense fatigue, nausea, fever, and yellowing of the skin and eyes.

Don't confuse the sea with a safe place after the rains.

Although seawater may seem like it "cleanses itself," during the rainy season, many urban drains and rivers flow directly into the ocean, carrying trash, sewage, and all kinds of pollutants with them. Therefore, swimming in the sea after a storm or heavy rain can also be risky.

READ: A downpour will hit Guadalajara in the afternoon. What is recommended?

• Avoid contact with standing water, even if it looks “clean.”
• Do not allow children or pets to play in puddles or canals.
• If you have been exposed, bathe immediately with soap and potable water, and thoroughly clean your ears, eyes, and wounds.
• See your doctor if you experience symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, skin redness, vomiting, or discharge.
• Pay special attention to people with compromised immune systems, children, and the elderly.

The rainy season not only poses risks from flooding and landslides, but also from an increase in diseases related to contaminated water. Swimming in stagnant rainwater may seem like a fun adventure, but it actually exposes the body to multiple infectious agents.

BB