A gastroenteritis outbreak Detected this week Tarazona (Zaragoza) it already adds up 234 affected, while the number continues to grow.According to the Ministry of Health of the Government of Aragon, its origins are water for human consumption.The causative factor is protozoa Cryptosporidium.
“The protozoan cyst was found in intestines of humans or animals They can contaminate waters and lead to community outbreaks, like what happened in Tarazona,” the ministry explained aragón newspaper. They came to this conclusion after obtaining the results of stool analysis of several infected patients.
Although the Ministry of Health currently guarantees No serious cases recordedall affected people develop symptoms, e.g. Vomiting and diarrhea.At the same time, the local government has taken measures Limit water consumption and other more relevant content.
“Scientists warn that current wastewater purification and drinking water purification systems do not always pose sufficient barriers to the survival of protozoan cysts, which They are resistant to chlorine treatment.Therefore, this disease, which has become very rare in Spain and Europe in recent years, is considered a possible disease” said Healthy.
How viruses spread through contaminated water
Viral gastroenteritis usually spreads through the intestinesContact with feces or vomit from an infected person. Although animals can also be carriers of this infection. As a highly contagious virus, one person or animal infected with water is enough for it to spread to many people.
“The water can become contaminated with the virus if it comes into contact with the feces of an infected person.” He Contaminated water may spread viruses to food or drink, people who consume these foods or drinks may become infected. People who swim in contaminated water may also become infected,” explains the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).
As far as protozoa are concerned Cryptosporidiumcausing it to be called cryptosporidiosis.This parasite is usually found in Swimming pools, steam rooms, water parks, lakes and rivers. It has thick walls and is very resistant to freezing and normal levels of chlorine.
Precautions to avoid gastroenteritis from contaminated water
Local authorities call for extreme measures amid gastroenteritis outbreak in Tarazona Precautions and personal hygiene.recommend wash hands with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom and before and after preparing food. In these cases, alcohol-based sanitizers will not work.
Here are some suggestions from the Mayo Clinic Academic Medical Center avoid gastroenteritis Due to water contamination:
- drinking alone bottled water Or well-sealed carbonated water.
- avoid ice cubesas they can be made from contaminated water.
- wear Bottled water for brushing teeth teeth.
- avoid raw food (e.g. peeled fruits, raw vegetables and salads) Handled without gloves.
- Avoid eating meat and fish not fully cooked.
What happens if I drink contaminated water?Faced with this problem, experts recommend go to the doctorbecause it is necessary to analyze If infection occurs. In this case, it is necessary to analyze what type it is and thus find the recommended treatment.
This is not the first time a contagious gastrointestinal infection has been detected in Spain. Last month, several cases of gastritis were detected at the Puerta de Hierro hospital in Mayardahonda after Canal Isabel II warned of the presence of algae in the Valmayor reservoir.
The same situation occurred in 2022, when a poisoning broke out in a hotel in Mojacar (Almeria), affecting 115 people in 2022. norovirus The symptoms are very similar, such as nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.
The main complications of viral gastroenteritis are dehydration.Therefore, when experiencing any of the symptoms related to protozoan outbreak Cryptosporidiumit is recommended to see a professional doctor.