He Ministry of Health of the Nation issued last Monday, through Epidemiological Bulletin, A health alert by typhoid fever after they were detected Ten cases in the Buenos Aires town of Ciudadela.
Health authorities investigate the cause of the infection to carry out the outbreak. Of the ten cases that were identified between March 9 and April 22, six were hospitalized and two received intensive care, the Argentine Infectology Society reported. The warning was made after detect the presence of the salmonella bacteria Typhi In several patients.
At the moment, from the data collected, the authorities estimate that one of the possible causes of the outbreak is the water of the tanks of the buildings.
“It was found that in the building at the end of January/principle of February, they had a water provision cut for approximately two weeks, so the water of consumption of buildings is suspected as a possible source of pollution, since both are supplied with the same tank, which is provided with well water,” says in the bulletin.
What is typhoid fever and how it is transmitted
Typhoid fever is defined as a Infectious disease of bacterial originspecifically caused by Salmonella Typhi bacteria. This pathogenic microorganism has the ability to Invadir the blood torrent and the intestinal tractgenerating a characteristic symptomatology that, in the absence of timely and adequate treatment, can lead to complications of considerable severity.
The main route of transmission of typhoid fever is fecal-oral. This implies that the bacteria spreads through the intake of food or water that were contaminated with feces of an infected person, whether active carrier of the disease or asymptomatic carrier. Contamination can occur in various stagesfrom the manipulation of food by people infected with poor hygiene to the contamination of drinking water sources.
The symptomatology of typhoid fever is characterized by the gradual appearance of high and sustained fever, which can reach 39-40 degrees. Other common symptoms include general discomfort, intense headache, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Alterations in intestinal transit are also frequent, manifesting as diarrhea or, in some cases, constipation. On certain occasions, a characteristic cutaneous eruption known as “pink spots” may appear.
The definitive diagnosis of typhoid fever is performed by analysis of biological samples.
How to prevent it
The Ministry of Health issued the following recommendations to prevent infection:
Use safe water: For activities such as hand washing, teeth; food preparation and cooking, cooking or washing vegetables and fruits; cleaning of surfaces and utensils; to drink or make ice, ice cream, juices and infusions; Reconstitution of dairy formulas, among others.
Well water: boil 2-3 minutes or disinfect with Lavandina indicating in the “suitable for disinfect water” For example, for Lavandina (55 gr Cl/L), place 2 drops for each liter of water.
Water reservoirs: lFrequently impose tanks, tanks, etc. and verify your status (covered, without cracks).
