People in quarantine due to cholera are asymptomatic so far
A patient with cholera bacteria is being treated in the infectious diseases ward of the provincial hospital on Arkońska Street in Szczecin. Photo by Sylwia Dudek
"I have no information that symptoms of cholera infection have appeared among those in quarantine and under epidemiological supervision," Paweł Mayko from the Provincial Sanitary and Epidemiological Station told us on Monday. He added that epidemiological investigations are underway in the case of a senior from Stargard who was admitted to the hospital on Arkońska Street in Szczecin after being diagnosed with the cholera bacteria.
On Monday, it was not yet clear whether the cholera vibrio in this case belonged to the toxigenic strain, i.e. one that can cause severe symptoms.
"Tests are underway to determine this. We'll have to wait a few days for the results," says Paweł Mayko. "An epidemiological investigation is also underway to determine how the infection occurred."
It is certain that the patient has not recently left the country. The woman's condition is stable and her life is not in danger. The bacteria was detected in her hospital in Stargard. She was transferred to a facility in Szczecin, where a modern infectious diseases ward is located.
People who had contact with her are either in quarantine (26 people) or under epidemiological surveillance (86 people). They had no symptoms of infection until Monday.
How to avoid cholera infection?
"Prevention is very important. Let's boil water. Remember to cook seafood properly. Washing and disinfecting your hands is crucial," explains Paweł Mayko.
As reported on its website by the Provincial Sanitary and Epidemiological Station in Szczecin, no additional recommendations have been implemented for the general public. Cleaning and disinfection of wards at the hospital in Stargard has been recommended. The hospital management has decided to temporarily suspend admissions of new patients to the Internal Medicine Department and temporarily suspend visits to patients in this department. Until final test results are available, individuals under quarantine and sanitary supervision are required to self-monitor their health and immediately contact a physician and sanitary inspectorate if they experience any disturbing symptoms. ©℗
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Kurier Szczecinski
