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Wild swimming linked to higher riskof stomach bugs and skin rashes

Findings from research into illnesses associated with bathing in lakes and rivers come amid boom in hobby

Read full story on The Guardian
Matthew Pearce27 Aug 2026, 05:00 amUpdated 1h ago1 min readEuropeUnited Kingdom
Wild swimming linked to higher risk of stomach bugs and skin rashes

United KingdomMatthew Pearce

Findings from research into illnesses associated with bathing in lakes and rivers come amid boom in hobby

Wild swimming has been linked to a higher risk of stomach bugs and skin rashes, according to the largest ever controlled study of illnesses associated with bathing in rivers and lakes.

The research found that swimmers at locations in Hungary were more than twice as likely to develop skin problems, while the risk of contracting a stomach bug rose significantly in water with higher concentrations of E coli and other bacteria linked to faecal pollution.

Wild swimming has been linked to a higher risk of stomach bugs and skin rashes, according to the largest ever controlled study of illnesses associated with bathing in rivers and lakes.

This report is published with credit to The Guardian. The wire sent a summary; open the original for any extra context. Read on The Guardian

Source: The Guardian · Matthew Pearce. Published 27 Aug 2026, 05:00 am.

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