In areas flooded by water, 67 cases of food poisoning have been registered since the beginning of the flood, PAP found out on Thursday at the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate.
Poisoning is caused by contaminated water or food of poor quality, 47 cases concern people living in flood areas, and 20 cases are poisoning among emergency services.
Since the beginning of the flood, 66 waterworks have been damaged, 39 of which have been put back into operation. 57 sewage treatment plants were flooded. 19 thousand. 591 vaccinations against tetanus. 28 cemeteries and 17796 household wells were flooded, including about 8000 wells being the only source of drinking water for people. About 20 tons of disinfectants were released.
The Central Anti-Epidemic Reserves Base, a unit subordinate to the Minister of Health, receives orders on an ongoing basis from Provincial Sanitary and Epidemiological Stations for the supply of disinfectants, vaccines and protective equipment.
The Chemical Forces, in cooperation with local authorities and poviat sanitary inspectors, decontaminate post-flood areas.
Mosquitoes are a problem in flood areas. GIS spokesman Jan Bondar recalled in an interview with PAP that in Poland these insects do not spread diseases that are dangerous to humans. In the event of mosquito infestations, they can be a nuisance, especially for allergy sufferers.
Bondar emphasized that local governments are responsible for the remediation. He added that it is important that for this purpose preparations safe for human health, registered in the Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices and Biocidal Products, are used.
Sanepid carries out an information campaign among people from the areas where the flood occurred. Information is provided on the procedures for disinfecting the wells, preventing infectious diseases, handling flooded food, and activities in the event of potential exposure to toxic factors. Leaflets are distributed.
The State Sanitary Inspectorate conducts increased supervision over drinking water intakes, including monitoring and control of water and food supplied to the public. Sanitary services also supervise the disinfection of septic tanks and sewage pits. They control cemeteries and, in the event of flooding, take action to prevent an epidemic.
Daily reports from the sanitary inspection show that there is currently no risk of an infectious disease epidemic in the areas affected by the flood, said Deputy Health Minister Jakub Szulc in the Sejm on Thursday. (PAP)