Dr. Sally Hornor of the Biology Department at Anne Arundel Community College has issued a warning for swimmers in the Magothy River concerning a recent case of vibrio that was contracted by a swimmer.

Her warning states on the Magothy River Association (MRA) newsletter that an elderly man, who had an abrasion on his ankle, went swimming in the main stem of the Magothy River near Henderson Point on July 17. It should be noted that the area near Henderson Point is a popular water skiing area in the Magothy.

According to the MRA newsletter, after three days the man visited his doctor since he continued to experience pain in the affected leg and the abrasion on his ankle appeared infected.

The physician determined that the man’s leg was infected by vibrio which is a marine organism that entered the Magothy from the Chesapeake Bay due to very warm water temperatures and increasing salinity levels. The infection is very serious and the man may lose part of his leg due to the infection.

To prevent possible infection from this organism Hornor recommends that it is not safe to swim in the water if you have a cut or if you are immunocompromised. "Immunocompromised individuals are babies, the elderly, and anyone taking immunosuppressive drugs, or with AIDS,” states Horner on the website.

If you develop a skin infection after coming in contact with water in the Magothy River please seek medical treatment immediately in order to begin treatment as soon as possible.

Hornor would also like to be made aware of any swimming related illnesses this summer. Please visit her website http://ola4.aacc.edu/sghornor  and read the letter that explains her study and record your information.

*Editor's Note: This article has been changed to reflect that the information came from the MRA newsletter.