Gastroenteritis cases in central Greece linked to Salmonella contamination, authorities say
Thessaly Region Governor Dimitris Kouretas photo ANA-MPA
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The 100 cases of gastroenterities seen at hospitals of Volos and Larissa and the Velestino Health Center since May 24 may be linked to the local water supplies contaminated with Salmonella spp, Thessaly Region Governor Dimitris Kouretas suggested on Monday.
In a press conference, the governor said that the 100 cases represented all ages and both sexes, and came from Rizomylos and Stefanoviki in central Greece. Of the total, 9 children were hospitalized in the children’s clinic and then 2 released, while an older man with underlying health issues is at Volos Hospital’s intensive care unit.
Samples of drinking water examined by Thessaly authorities’ laboratories “found bacterial loads in samples from the regional network and water reservoir.” Specifically, he said, “besides microbial indicators of faecal contamination found in several parts of the samples, also found was Salmonella spp in the reservoir and in two more samples from the regional network.” He said that more samples were taken on Monday (June 3) from drilling, the reservoir, and selected points of the network.
In terms of clinical samples, one taken from a patient in Velestino is positive to Salmonella, as are six faeces samples of children in the Volos Hospital.
Kouretas cited the National Public Health Organization (EODY), which recommends not drinking tap water, and strict keeping of personal health recommendations, to avoid spreading the illness. Water, if needed, must be boiled at 100C for at least 3 minutes, he added.
source ANA-MPA
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