Disease that had almost disappeared is ravaging the Adriatic coast

A skin infection that was once thought to be a relic of the past is now causing concern along the Adriatic coast. Impetigo, a highly contagious bacterial illness, is seeing a significant increase in cases, particularly among children, during the peak summer tourist season. Clinics in popular coastal areas, such as Split, are reporting a surge in young patients presenting with the characteristic symptoms.

Public health officials and epidemiologists are pointing to a disturbing connection between the rise in impetigo and the strain on coastal infrastructure. Overcrowding due to tourism, coupled with illegal construction and inadequate wastewater management, is creating an ideal environment for the bacteria to spread. High temperatures and humidity further accelerate its proliferation. The infection thrives where these factors converge, especially with increased human proximity and relaxed hygiene practices on beaches.

Impetigo is caused by common bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes, which typically enter the skin through minor cuts, scratches, or insect bites. The resulting itchy blisters quickly rupture, leaving behind distinctive honey-colored crusts. While improved sanitation in the mid-20th century drastically reduced its prevalence, the bacteria never disappeared entirely. The current outbreak highlights how environmental factors and infrastructure failures can facilitate its resurgence.

The contamination of seawater is also emerging as a critical factor. Localized fecal contamination of beaches, linked directly to the inability of sewage systems to cope with the influx of tourists, is suspected to be a significant source of infection. Many summer-only facilities rely on septic tanks or cesspits that overflow during peak season, leading to polluted waters. This situation underscores the vulnerability of coastal ecosystems and public health to the pressures of mass tourism when infrastructure is not adequately maintained or expanded.