Major Outbreak of Gastroenteritis in Egypt

An outbreak of vomiting and diarrhoea (gastroenteritis) has sickened 648 infected people in Aswan. Since 11 September (2024), 480 people have been treated for mild symptoms, with 168 patients still hospitalized, including 36 elderly individuals in intensive care. The municipal reservoir is suspected to be contaminated with the bacteria E.coli.

Advice

Travellers can reduce the risk of exposure to the many germs that cause intestinal illness (such as cholera, E. coli, salmonella, and many viruses) by following strict food and water precautions to avoid consuming contaminated food and water (especially when sold by street vendors and fast food establishments). These precautions include ensuring that meat is cooked thoroughly, not drinking tap water or ice made from tap water and trying to avoid swallowing water when swimming. Practising careful personal hygiene with frequent hand washing helps reduce the risk.