It’s all enjoyable until your health turns into a complex riddle, and few realize the risks and dangers that might be present during our cherished summer activities. I experienced this firsthand when what should have been a straightforward business trip devolved into a year-and-a-half ordeal after I fell ill from contaminated water. I developed bacteria that resulted in a secondary chronic inflammatory breast condition. My experience reflects a rising diagnosis globally, prompting me to share what I’ve learned in hopes of aiding others.

As summer approaches, many of us chase our favorite escapades, whether it be swimming (in pools, lakes, rivers, or oceans), fishing, beach outings, canoeing or kayaking, hiking, gardening, mud runs, sunbathing, cookouts, and more. These activities sound safe and fun—until, of course, you or someone close to you becomes a casualty like I did after contracting a bacterium named Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii, which is primarily linked to water, sewer, and soil. Studies indicate that over 70 percent of Americans engage in swimming during the summer months.

Swimming has consistently been one of my beloved pastimes. I’ve swum with dolphins around 15 times throughout my life, often plunging into some of the murkiest lagoons without a second thought. I grew up utilizing a family swimming pool each summer. I’ve relished pools at swim clubs and aboard cruise ships. I’ve also enjoyed boating and jet skiing in rivers, lakes, and oceans worldwide, and have gone parasailing several times too. I was adventurous and always felt like a Floridian trapped in an Ohioan’s body, as I have always adored the water.

However, something that once inspired no fear in me is now a source of apprehension, as swimming has unfortunately transitioned into a nostalgic memory for me—something I feel has been stripped away following the prolonged infection I endured.

I believe that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and if it means I could possibly steer clear of contracting “GM” again, it would be invaluable to me. I now steer clear of all swimming, even in chlorinated pools. The condition of a pool is only as good as its caretaker and the hygiene practices of those who use it. According to the CDC, waterborne illnesses lead to over 7 million illnesses each year in the U.S. and rack up healthcare costs of around $3 billion. I can attest that my business trip certainly cost me more than what I gained from going, given my numerous medical consultations, surgery, wound care, and nine months’ worth of antibiotics. Considering this data, perhaps there’s an opportunity to enhance Americans’ education on this matter, which is one motivation for crafting and publishing this article.

Numerous illnesses can arise from tainted water, and there are various ways to contract them. Pathogens including bacteria, parasites, toxins from algal blooms and red tide, and sargassum seaweed—which can lead to hydrogen sulfide and ammonia exposure and may harbor contaminants like pesticides and heavy metals—can all pose risks. Waterborne illnesses can emerge from many sources, and it’s not necessary to have a cut or abrasion to become ill. Any bodily opening, including breast ducts as was my case, can be susceptible. Oral ingestion, eyes, nose, etc., are natural entry points for some pathogens as well. Falling off a canoe or kayak in polluted water also presents risks.

Environmental factors can further elevate the risks of waterborne illnesses, especially during floods or hurricanes, as those waters may harbor various pathogens. These natural disasters bring forth a range of potential dangers lurking in the water. Even fishing can be an activity that results in illnesses like skin conditions and musculoskeletal issues, among others.

Hiking is another popular summer pastime. A minor detail that can evolve into a significant issue during hikes—aside from tainted streams—is ticks, which I personally dread. Though it’s possible to get bitten just by walking through your yard, gardening, or having a pet bring a tick inside, hikes are indeed a common method of exposure to various diseases transmitted by ticks.

In addition to the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria that causes Lyme disease, ticks can also transmit several co-infections that can be equally—if not more—challenging to treat and are frequently overlooked in healthcare contexts, especially if pertinent questions aren’t posed by medical professionals. It’s prudent to investigate how to safeguard yourself and your family from potential tick bites, as this is the best approach to learn. If bitten, there is a recommended procedure for tick removal. Additionally, you can send the tick out for testing, with several online services available for this purpose.