Aswan Gastroenteritis Outbreak Caused by E. coli Bacteria, Says Health Minister

Published: Monday, September 23, 2024, 01:27 PM

Health Minister Reveals Cause of Gastroenteritis in Aswan

Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population, announced that the recent outbreak of gastroenteritis in Aswan was caused by the infection of the field by “E. coli” bacteria.

The health minister made this announcement during a press conference held in Aswan, where he met with citizens of the “Abu al-Rish” area and Darao to discuss the severe intestinal diseases affecting them.

According to the health minister, visual examination of diarrheal samples confirmed the presence of a coliform bacteria infection called (E. coli bacteria), which is commonly found in contaminated water or food.

The central laboratories in Cairo analyzed samples of diarrhea and vomiting from infected patients, which further confirmed the presence of E. coli bacteria.

The health minister explained that the severity of the disease varies depending on the strain of E. coli, with some mutant strains posing a higher risk.

Diarrhea and vomiting are common symptoms, but some strains of E. coli can cause more severe illnesses, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems.

Abdul Ghaffar noted that E. coli bacteria are spread through contaminated water, often through feces or contaminated food, and can cause infections of the digestive tract and urinary tract.

He emphasized that practicing good personal hygiene, including regular handwashing, is crucial in preventing the transmission of the infection from person to person.

Symptoms of E. coli infection typically last between one and five days, and the health minister urged citizens to take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the disease.