“Pharaoh’s Revenge” is not all. Doctors inform against a new, dangerous bacteria in Egypt

"Pharaoh's Revenge" – this word entered the dictionary of Polish tourists permanently and became almost synonymous with holidays in Egypt. Violent diarrhoea, abdominal pain and weakness are ailments for which many travelers are mentally and pharmacologically prepared. However, as they alarm Doctors and EpidemiologistsThis well-known threat is only the tip of the iceberg today. A new, much more dangerous enemy is spreading in the Egyptian environment, especially in popular resorts. This. multidrug resistant superbacteriawhich are insensitive to standard antibiotics. Their infection may begin innocently, like classical "revenge", but its consequences can be dramatic, leading to severe, hard to treat systemic infections.

"Pharaoh's Revenge" vs Superbacterium: knowing the Difference

In order to realize the scale of the fresh threat, we first request to realize what is different from the classical diarrhea of travelers.

• “Pharaoh’s Revenge” is usually an acute but short-term food infection caused by bacteria specified as E. coli is Campylobacter. Although highly burdensome, in most cases the body fights it itself in a fewer days, and in more severe cases responds well to standard antibiotics prescribed by the doctor.
• New, dangerous bacteria It's a full different category. This is about strains of bacteria that have become immune to the effects of antibiotics worldwide. These are so-called. Multidrug resistant bacteria (MDR – Multi-Drug Resistant). Among the most dangerous are among others. CRE strains (Enterobacteriaceae resistant to carbapenems) is MRSA. These “superbacteria” origin infections that cannot be treated with popular antibiotics, which requires hospitalisation and the usage of “last chance” medicines, which are besides not always effective.

Egypt, like many countries with hot climates and different sanitary standards, has become 1 of the places where the hazard of contact with specified pathogens is peculiarly high.

How does the infection occur? Ways of Broadcasting in Vacation Paradise

Roads of infection with superbacteria are very akin to those carried by the classical “pharaoh revenge”. However, the problem is that even the trace amount of these pathogens can be dangerous. Tourists are most exposed by:

1. Contaminated water and ice: You should avoid drinking tap water. usage it only after boiling. Moreover, you must remember that ice cubes in drinks, and even water utilized to wash fruit and vegetables in hotel kitchens, can be the origin of infection. Drink bottled water only and avoid ice.
2. Unprocessed foods: The top hazard they carry raw vegetables (salts), unpeeled fruit, undercooked meat and seafood. rule ‘Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it’ (Cook, fry, peel, or forget about it) is absolutely crucial here.
3. Dirty hands: It's the simplest transmission route. Insufficient hand hygiene before meals is an open invitation for bacteria.
4. Hotel pools: Although the water in the pools is chlorinated, with a large number of bathers and advanced temperatures, chlorine concentrations may be insufficient to kill all dangerous pathogens.

Symptoms that should light a red light

Initial symptoms of superbacterium infection may be identical to that of average travellers: abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea. However, there are alarm signals that should prompt immediate medical attention:

• Very advanced fever (above 38.5°C) which does not fall after antipyretics.
• The appearance of blood in the stool.
• Signs of severe dehydration: dizziness, uncommon urination, dry mouth.
• No improvement after 2-3 days or fast deterioration of the general condition.
• Ineffectiveness of standard medicines diarrhea or antibiotics that have helped so far.

How do you defend yourself? Decalogue of a safe tourist in Egypt

Although the threat is real, it doesn't mean we gotta quit our journey. However, this requires much more discipline and awareness than before.

1. Wash your hands as frequently as possible With soap and water, and if you do not have access to them, usage alcohol-based antibacterial gel (minimum 60%).
2. Drink only bottled water, mill closed.
3. Use bottled water to even brush your teeth.
4. Avoid ice in drinks. Ask for an ice-free drink (‘no ice’).
5. Don't eat natural vegetables and salads. scope for cooked, fried, baked dishes – heat treated.
6. Eat only the fruits you can choose (e.g. bananas, oranges).
7. Avoid food from street stallsIf you're not certain about the hygiene standards there.
8. Be careful with the hotel buffets. Choose foods that are hot. Avoid those who look like they've been at area temperature for a long time.
9. Consider taking probiotics before and during departure to strengthen the natural bacterial flora of the intestine.
10. Take a proven antidiarrhea medicine with youbut if your symptoms are different or very severe, not on your own, but contact your doctor.

The emergence and spread of superbacterium is simply a global wellness problem, and popular tourist destinations specified as Egypt are places where the hazard of contact with them is increased. This is not a reason to panic, but to fundamental change of approach to hygiene and safety during travel.

The era of carefree trying everything and treating possible problems with 1 tablet is slow coming to an end. present travelling to tropical and subtropical regions requires us personal work and proactive prevention. Doctors are right to inform that the consequences of bringing a ‘remembrance’ in the form of a treatment-resistant bacteria from holidays can be disastrous. The best insurance policy is not just the 1 purchased from the agent, but our own knowledge, discipline and common sense.