Sand on most Chisinau beaches swarming with parasitic worms

Sand on most public beaches in Chisinau municipality is full of parasitic worms, eggs and larvae. The recreation areas around ponds do not meet other sanitary conditions: they lack toilets and shower cubicles and waste is disposed of infrequently. Iurie Pinzaru, deputy head of the National Public Health Center, told the meeting of the National Public Health Commission, that eggs of Toxocara canis helminths, also known as the dog roundworm, as well as high levels of E. Coli bacteria were discovered in sand samples from 60% of the city's beaches, which indicates an infestation with feces. Warning posters are installed in all the recreation areas that do not meet the sanitary requirements. Swimming is forbidden in all the five lakes in Chisinau. Swimming in the Nistru, in particular in Vadul lui Voda, is allowed, but not recommended, said Iurie Pinzaru. This is also true of the right side of Ghidighici Lake, where an authorized beach is located. Deputy Health Minister Mihai Magdei said that another risk appears in ponds when water temperatures exceeds 25 degrees: cholera transmission may occur from infected swimmers. Doctors urge local authorities to sanitize the beaches, install showers and replace the sand entirely. Meanwhile, people are advised to refrain from swimming.