Egyptian Minister of Health and Population Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar speaks during a press conference on Monday 23 September, 2024. Photo courtesy of Egyptian cabinet Facebook page.
This announcement came during a press conference in Aswan following the analysis of samples taken from affected patients.
The outbreak has led to a noticeable surge in patients seeking medical treatment at Aswan's hospitals after experiencing the same symptoms in recent days – a matter that raised concerns among city residents.
Approximately 648 individuals have visited four hospitals in Aswan, reporting symptoms such as diarrhoea, regurgitation, and other gastrointestinal issues, Abdel-Ghaffar said during the conference.
Abdel-Ghaffar said infection caused by E. coli bacteria is primarily transmitted through contaminated water or improperly handled food.
The bacteria, he explained, can be found in any contaminated source, particularly in polluted water containing faecal matter or in food tainted with a microbe.
If food is washed with such polluted water, the bacteria can be transferred to the person, he added.
Symptoms typically last from one to six days, during which the infection can be transmitted, he noted, emphasizing the importance of personal hygiene and staying informed to prevent further spread.
Since 11 September, approximately 480 individuals have visited hospitals, with the majority experiencing mild symptoms.
As of now, 168 patients remain hospitalized, with 78 in stable condition and 36 elderly patients requiring intensive care.
The health minister clarified that some cases of E. coli infection require intensive care due to severe dehydration caused by excessive fluid and salt loss. This dehydration can damage vital organs, especially the kidneys.
He also pointed out that the severity of the illness varies depending on the specific type of E. coli. While most cases result in mild symptoms, like vomiting, fever, diarrhoea, and nausea, certain mutated strains can lead to more severe complications, he added.
The minister confirmed that five patients have died at Aswan's hospitals recently; however, it has not been confirmed whether these deaths are related to the outbreak.
“No new cases were reported in the past 48 hours,” he said, expressing optimism that the situation would stabilize within a week.
The average daily number of cases visiting Aswan hospitals ranges between 18 and 19 across all facilities in the governorate, a figure Abdel-Ghaffar described as "very low" considering the area's size and population.
He reassured Egypt's strong healthcare system, dismissing misinformation about hospital capacities. “Current occupancy rates in Aswan hospitals stand at about 37 percent,” he added.
Water, Nile River inspection
Abdel-Ghaffar stated that 108 water stations are currently serving the residents of Aswan and confirmed that the water in the governorate fully complies with safety specifications and standards.
Field teams have also been formed to monitor the situation and inspect internal household water networks, ensuring proper sanitation and water safety.
“Sanitation services have now reached 92 percent of Aswan’s villages, and random samples of drinking water are regularly tested across the country to maintain quality,” he noted.
The minister asserted that there is a system in place to monitor and test the Nile water, involving several ministries.
The water then goes to treatment plants, where it undergoes regular purification processes and periodic testing, he added.
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