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 on Monday, 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.

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.

In severe cases, E. coli infections can cause serious illness, especially in individuals with a weak immune system, and may lead to severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.

The symptoms of E. coli infection typically last between one and five days, and the infection can be transmitted from person to person.

As a precautionary measure, the health minister advised citizens to practice regular handwashing and maintain good personal hygiene to prevent the spread of the infection.