A complex health issue
Health authorities have identified the source of the E-coli infections reported in several counties in southern Romania.
România Internațional, 01.03.2016, 13:12
The E-coli bacterium, which has recently caused severe digestive disorders in several babies in Romania, has been tracked down in cottage cheese provided by a dairy firm in Arges County, southern Romania, as well as in chicken meat originating from a farm in Bacau, eastern Romania. These are the results of the investigation conducted by the National Veterinary Health Authority in the case of babies diagnosed with the hemolytic-uremic syndrome. The dairy company in Arges County also sold its products to large retail chains. Investigators collected 337 samples from dairy products, beef and chicken meat, fruit and vegetables and have so far tested 200 samples. The dairy company in Arges County has been shut down, as Cristian Soare, the local prefect, told us:
“All activity in the dairy section has been put on hold pending the investigation. We have started the disinfection and sterilization of this section, of working areas, equipment and facilities, after which we will carry out tests to see how effective the sanitation procedures were. Additionally, all working personnel will undergo fecal and bacteriological checks in a special laboratory. We will collect milk samples from the two farms to test them against bacteria, and we will also test the water that was brought in and out of the production unit.
The E-coli bacterium the sanitation investigators have identified is the same as the one found in babies that were hospitalized in Bucharest. Meanwhile, the number of children reporting acute diarrhea has exceeded 50 in hospitals in Arges County, while there are still children suffering from the hemolytic-uremic syndrome admitted at the Marie Curie Hospital in Bucharest. Three babies died last month from severe digestive disorders. The Health and Education Ministries are preparing to introduce new hygiene norms and regulations in schools in the shortest time possible. Here is Health Minister Patriciu Achimas Cadariu:
“Our specialists have pooled resources to prepare a set of hygiene measures that will be submitted to schools and inspectorates. That is perfectly normal, but we need to insist on such measures as often as possible, all the more so now, in order to raise the awareness of parents, teachers and doctors.
The Health Ministry has announced its intention to introduce a new subject matter in schools and kindergartens – “health education, where children will learn about healthy foods, personal hygiene and the fight against alcohol and smoking.
(Translated by V. Palcu)
