The Minister of Health, Mónica García, warned that “some cases of gastroenteritis” have appeared because of the stagnant water caused by the DANA which hit the province of Valencia and assured that his department and the Ministry were working in coordination to carry out a “thorough search” in the area and an early detection protocol.
“Scientific evidence tells us that there is a risk of pathogens, particularly in stagnant waterswhich would trigger various infections due to different microorganisms such as, for example, gastrointestinal disorders or pneumonia”, explained the minister in statements on ‘RNE’, in which she clarified that “there is no no epidemic, but there is a case of gastroenteritis. . “.
The minister indicated that “today” there is no trace, “nor alert”, from any professional in the field who has reported that the number of gastroenteritis or the number of patients presenting certain infectious symptoms is increasing in a “considerable or quantitatively significant” manner.
However, he recognizes that “be vigilant and act as soon as they arise the first symptoms to be able to detect the microorganism and be able to adequately treat the population.
On the other hand, the minister stressed that to date there is no legionella epidemic. “Which does not mean that we should not be attentive and prepared,” he declared, while indicating that cases of gastroenteritis, leptospirosis, legionella or even diseases transmitted by vectors such as mosquitoes, “because in hot environments with stagnant water, we know that they gain strength”.
Thus, he highlighted the work carried out by the Center for Coordination of Health Alerts and Emergencies (CCAES) of the Ministry of Health and the Department of Health, which prepare all protocols to avoid pathogens in stagnant water that can trigger infections. , particularly gastrointestinal, which are the most reported; as well as any possible case of infection with epidemic potential, jaundice or pneumonia.
In this sense, on the basis of scientific evidence and taking into account the recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) calls for caution and respect for preventive hygiene and protection measures: mask, eye protection, gloves and boots. In addition to washing your hands well if you have been in contact with mud.
Health is not considering “for the moment” evacuating any population
Mónica García confirmed that, “for the moment”, at no time have they discussed the possibility of evacuate the population of the municipalities most affected by DANA.
“We hope that the situation will improve as the collection of this waste improves. We are in contact with the water companies and we are in contact with Miteco, with the Ministry of Ecological Transition, to see when and how the problems of sewage treatment plants and waste disposal are being resolved,” he said in an interview on RNE.
The minister recommends caution given that the the recovery and cleaning process is going to be long, and, therefore, for some time we will have to be aware of the vectors, pathogens and microorganisms that can cause certain diseases. However, mass tetanus vaccination is not recommended, although it is recommended for those who work in the field, have suffered an injury, and are not up to date with vaccination guidelines.
Although out of caution, in all centers of the Valencian Community, the availability of vaccines necessary for the immunization of the population (against tetanus, hepatitis A and B, etc.) or seasonal vaccines, if necessary, has been assured.
Concerning the municipalities hardest hit by DANA, where they still do not have health centers because They were devastated by the storm, “Emergency assistance points have been set up and the population can seek treatment otherwise in their usual health center in these alternative points,” he explained.
Symptoms to identify possible infections
The Ministry of Health and the Health Department of the Valencian Community have prepared a monitoring protocol for the early detection of cases of infection. The objective is to guarantee the detection of possible cases of infection with epidemic potential and to do this, it is important to know the symptoms that can cause the diseases to which they are exposed people who are in contact with stagnant water.
Symptoms that may appear are:
- High, persistent fever Severe or persistent diarrhea or vomiting, or if it involves dehydration
- severe abdominal pain
- Yellowing of the skin and/or eyes
- dark urine
- Persistent cough or difficulty breathing
- Red or purple rashes that may indicate bleeding under the skin
- Severe headaches or stiff neck
- Confusion, disorientation or agitation
- Open sores or lesions, especially if they show signs of infection (redness, swelling, drainage, or pain)
- Feeling a level of stress or anxiety that overwhelms you
In this way, if you detect any of these symptoms, it is advisable to go to the doctor.
