Global Health & Well-Being and Water Security. August 2026

Water one of the most abundant resources on Earth poses risk and vulnerabilities across the globe.

 

Health and Well-Being.

READ FULL ARTICLE HERE: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2026/08/08/louisiana-flesh-eating-bacteria-outbreak/91225306007/?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us Cases may also increase after tropical storms and hurricanes, as storm surge pushes seawater into freshwater environments. Infections can also happen from eating raw or undercooked seafood, particularly oysters, the CDC says. Different types of vibrio bacteria cause different infections, with vibrio vulnificus causing the "most serious forms of vibriosis," according to the Cleveland Clinic.  Another type of vibrio bacteria causes cholera, health officials say. Alabama, the Mobile County Health Department has reported 10 cases of vibriosis this year. The Mississippi Department of Health reported two cases in 2026. Beyond the Gulf Coast, other states that have reported evidence of Vibrio vulnificus in the past include Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and North Carolina. How to protect yourself from 'flesh-eating bacteria' When swimming, you should: Avoid entering salt water or brackish water if you have any open wounds. That includes recent surgical sites, fresh tattoos and piercings, and even minor cuts or scrapes. Cover any open wounds with a waterproof bandage if you may come into contact with coastal waters or raw seafood, even if you don't plan to be directly exposed to either. Exposure can also occur during flooding caused by storms. Immediately wash any area of open skin with soap and running water after contact with coastal water or raw seafood. If you are at increased risk (people with weakened immune systems and conditions like liver disease, diabetes and kidney failure), wear protective shoes and clothes when in or near coastal waters. When consuming seafood, the CDC advises: Cook seafood, including oysters, before consuming. Thoroughly clean surfaces that may have come in contact with raw seafood and its drippings. Thoroughly wash your hands after handling raw seafood. If you are at high risk, wear gloves.  Contributing: C.A. Bridges, USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida and Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY Mike Snider is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, X and email him at  mikegsnider  &  @mikegsnider.bsky.social  &  @mikesnider & msnider@usatoday.com.

Water Security

READ FULL ARTICLE HERE: https://www.dw.com/en/german-residents-near-berlin-fight-for-their-drinking-water/svideo-78203927?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us “When supplies become scarce, who should take priority — industry, the clean energy transition, nature or local communities? Brandenburg has become a striking example of a conflict that is gaining importance around the world “