Contaminated municipal water supply in Los Antiguos, Santa Cruz Province, Argentina

At least 150 persons became ill in the municipality of Los Antiguos, Santa Cruz Province. Contamination of the municipal water supply by an unknown substance or microorganism is suspected, but the specific cause is still under investigation. The local hospital is reported to be completely full with ill patients.

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). Practising careful personal hygiene with frequent hand washing helps reduce the risk.