Polish sanitary services were put on advanced alert after Lublin was reported second suspected cholera infection in just a week. A 65-year-old man, who had not late left Poland, went to the infirmary with symptoms of severe food poisoning. laboratory tests have already confirmed twice the presence of a dangerous bacteria, which immediately triggered the full epidemiological procedure. This is another incidental after a fresh Stargard incident, which raises serious questions about the origin of the infection.
The deficiency of a past of abroad travel in both patients is the most worrying component of the case. He suggests that the origin of the dangerous bacteria may be in Polandwhich would pose an unprecedented challenge to public health. The Chief Sanitary Inspectorate increased vigilance throughout the country, and doctors received guidance on the immediate reporting of akin cases.
Second case in days. Patient from Lublin under close observation
A 65-year-old man volunteered to Clinic of Infectious Diseases of the Medical University of Lublin symptoms that doctors immediately associated with a serious gastrointestinal infection. Due to the nature of the ailments and the fresh alarm in the Zachodniopomorskie Voivodeship, it was decided to carry out specialized studies for cholera. Their results proved alarming.
Two independent laboratory tests confirmed the presence of a bacteria that could origin this serious disease. Although genetic investigating is inactive needed for final confirmation, medical services act as if they were dealing with a confirmed case. All procedures to isolate the patient and prevent possible spread of the infection have been launched. The condition of the man is monitored and the doctors have implemented appropriate treatment.
Why the infection? Epidemiologists in dots, patients did not leave Poland
The top mystery for sanitary services is presently the origin of the infection. The key is that a patient from Lublin, as before a female from Stargard, late did not travel abroad. Hell is simply a illness that practically does not happen in Europe, and its cases are almost always "trodden" from endemic regions in Asia or Africa.
The deficiency of links to abroad travel forces epidemiologists to consider the script most feared: local origin of infection. Specialists conduct a detailed interview, analyzing all step of the patient from the last weeks – places he visited, meals he had eaten, and people he had contact with. At this point, the investigation has shown no apparent lead, which only increases uncertainty and makes the situation treated with the highest seriousness.
What about the patient in Stargard? GIS calms, but vigilance remains
The case from Lublin is the second alarm in a short time. A fewer days earlier, a akin suspicion was found in Stargard, where an aged female with akin symptoms was hospitalized. Then the situation caused a immense stir, and 26 people were included in the preventive quarantinewho have been in contact with a patient. Fortunately, no of them developed symptoms of the illness and the quarantine was completed.
Furthermore, the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate reported that the preliminary results of detailed studies indicate that in the case of a Stargard patient, it most likely wasn't cholera. This message brought any relief, but it did not lull the vigilance of the service. 2 specified akin alarms in different parts of the country in specified a short space of time are a signal that cannot be ignored. It will now be crucial to compare the results of both patients.
What is cholera and what do the servants do? GIS introduces increased vigilance
Hell is simply a acute and dangerous gastrointestinal illness caused by bacteria. Vibrio cholerae. The infection is most frequently caused by the consumption of contaminated water or food. It is manifested by violent, aqueous diarrhoea and vomiting, which leads to utmost dehydration. Untreated cholera can lead to death in up to 50% of cases, however, with fast implementation of treatment and irrigation, the prognosis is good.
There have been no cases of cholera in Poland for decades, so the current situation is exceptional. In consequence to a possible threat, The Chief Sanitary Inspectorate increased the level of the epidemiological alert across the country. All medical facilities have been required to take peculiar care and immediately study any suspicious cases. In parallel, increased wellness checks are underway in food and catering establishments.
How do you defend yourself? Simple rules that can save your health
Although the situation is monitored by professional services, experts urge maintaining calmness and compliance with basic hygiene rules that minimise the hazard of food infections. It is worth remembering a fewer key actions, especially in the face of uncertainty about the origin of the possible threat:
- Wash your hands: Regular and accurate washing of hands with soap and water is an absolute basis for preventing the diseases of dirty hands.
- Drink safe water: If you have doubts about the quality of tap water, always boil it before you eat it. Avoid drinking water from uncertain sources.
- Watch the food: Avoid eating natural or undercooked foods, especially seafood and meat. Wash your vegetables and fruit thoroughly before eating.
- Select proven sources: Buy food in proven places and pay attention to retention conditions.
Further epidemiological investigations depend on the results of the final laboratory tests. It will yet confirm or exclude whether Poland has to face the cholera again after many decades.
Read more:
Alert all over Poland! The second suspicion of cholera, the patient never left the country.
