Zaragoza (EFE).- A protozoan of the genus Cryptosporidium is the causative agent of the gastroenteritis outbreak that has affected about 200 people in Tarazona (a municipality in the province of Zaragoza with about 10,000 inhabitants) since the beginning of the week, according to the results of laboratory cultures carried out with feces from sick people.
The oocysts (cysts that form the zygote of the parasite) of this protozoan are found in the human or livestock intestine and can contaminate water, causing community outbreaks such as the one that occurred in the town of Turiason, reported the Health Department of the Aragonese Executive. .
On the morning of this Thursday, the results of the analysis of drinking water samples from Tarazona were obtained and all the measured parameters gave correct values, so as a provisional measure the health services decided on an intensive disinfection of the supply (hyperchlorination) to waiting for the results of stool cultures.
Hours later, the results of the analysis of patient feces have been confirmed, where the presence of this protozoan has been identified.
Water restriction will continue
Laboratory diagnosis of this protozoan can only be detected in fecal cultures, since it is not detectable in drinking water.
Although initially the possibility of hyperchlorination of water had been raised as a measure, this finding in fecal cultures forces us to continue restricting water consumption and adopt specific and more relevant measures.
It has been established that the origin of the outbreak is water for human consumption, due to the sudden beginning of the outbreak, the number of people affected and because it is the only common consumption that those affected have, adds the Ministry.
Scientists warn that current wastewater purification and drinking water purification systems are not always a sufficient obstacle to the survival of protozoan cysts, which are resistant to chlorine treatment.
For this reason, this disease, which has been very rare in recent years in Spain and Europe, is considered a possible emerging disease.
Preventive measures
In addition to transmission through drinking water, this protozoan can also be transmitted by the fecal route from person to person.
To prevent the spread of the disease, extreme personal hygiene measures and hand washing must be taken, especially after changing diapers of infected children or patients up to 48 hours after the diarrhea disappears.
Additionally, it is recommended to wash your hands with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom and before and after preparing food. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not effective in these cases.
People with symptoms should be prevented from handling food or caring for hospitalized or immunosuppressed people or in institutions (residences, daycare centers, etc.) until 48 hours after the diarrhea disappears.
It is recommended that children who attend daycare join it 48 hours after the diarrhea has disappeared.
Because the germ can be excreted once the diarrhea ends, it is recommended that cases avoid bathing in pools for 2 weeks following cessation.
It is recommended to avoid having sexual relations until two weeks after the diarrhea has disappeared.
Specific measures for Tarazona
As general recommendations for the population of Tarazona, the administration points out:
Boil water for at least 10 minutes to clean utensils and surfaces.
Do not use tap water for drinking or oral hygiene.
Do not use tap water for preparing food or drinks, which can be used for personal hygiene, but not oral hygiene.
