After days of controversy over “symptomatic illnesses” in Aswan (southern Egypt), the Egyptian government clarified the cause of these symptoms, pointing to a bacterial infection known as E. coli, which was confirmed through samples from the affected patients.
The Egyptian Ministry of Health observed several patients visiting Aswan hospitals in recent days, exhibiting symptoms of gastrointestinal disturbances (diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting), amidst varying interpretations of the symptom outbreak’s cause. Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population, Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, stated in a press conference held on Monday after touring Aswan hospitals that the preliminary examination of collected samples confirms the presence of E. coli infection. This bacterium is commonly found in anything subject to contamination, including water contaminated with feces or food tainted by contaminated water.
Dr. Abdel Ghaffar explained that the severity of symptoms varies depending on the strain of E. coli, which typically causes cases of diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and slight fever increases, with severity rising in certain mutated strains, particularly among individuals with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems.
Official investigations into the symptoms began through the formation of investigative committees within homes and locations where cases were reported, particularly in the villages of Abu Al-Rish Qibli and Raqba in Daraw. In addition, inspections of water stations were conducted.
The Health Minister noted that the ministry deployed 6 medical convoys to Abu Al-Rish and 6 to Daraw, equipped with medical teams, medicines, and dehydration treatment supplies. Furthermore, visits to 315 homes and consultations with 2,179 citizens were carried out to identify the causes, whether through specific food or drink consumption, and to trace contacts of those affected.
Dr. Iman El-Sayed, a consultant in internal medicine, intensive care, and critical cases in Egypt, mentioned to “Al Sharq Al Awsat” that E. coli exists in several types, some causing mild harm while others can lead to kidney function impairment or even renal failure. The source of the infection typically involves contaminated water or food, or consuming undercooked meats or unpasteurized milk.
During the conference, the Health Minister pointed out that some residents in Aswan built sewage pits close to drinking water sources, alongside some irregular water connections.
Dr. El-Sayed added that E. coli infections spread by consuming the same contaminated food or water, a likely scenario in Aswan’s case, noting that the infection could also be transmitted through contact.
The minister confirmed a decrease in the disease’s spread, stating that since September 16th to date, a total of 480 cases of gastrointestinal issues had sought emergency care, received treatment, and returned home with minor symptoms. Of these, more than 160 cases were hospitalized, including 49 who have already improved and been discharged, while 78 are recovering in general wards, and 36 remain in medium and intensive care due to chronic diseases and chronic kidney disease dialysis.
He also confirmed that there had been 5 fatalities in the hospitals, related or unrelated to the condition. He mentioned that the delay in announcing the nature of the disease was due to the ministry’s genetic sequencing of the strains and culturing of the samples collected, to ensure confirmed information about the bacteria causing the observed diseases.
Dr. Abdel Ghaffar indicated a decrease in the number of infected cases, with the current daily hospital admissions ranging between 18 and 19 cases, predicting that “within a week, the situation will fully resolve.”
Meanwhile, Aswan’s Governor, Ismail Kamal, during the conference, mentioned his visit to Abu Al-Rish village, where he drank tea and water with the locals, confirming his good health and absence of any symptoms.
