Weekends can sometimes bring unexpected surprises. This is what the residents of Saint-Didier-en-Velay et The Seuve-sur-Semène (43) in late August, when an outbreak of gastroenteritis affected an alarming number of residents. The suspected cause? Tap water. After nearly two weeks of investigation, health authorities today confirmed temporary contamination of the drinking water network. What are the conclusions of this investigation and what measures are being taken to prevent a recurrence?
A worrying increase in symptoms of gastroenteritis
In the last two weeks, residents of these municipalities have noticed an increase in symptoms similar to those of a gastroenteritis : nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. These ailments have led many people to consult pharmacies or local medical practices, forcing health authorities to react.
Alerted by this sudden peak, the Regional Health Agency (ARS) has undertaken a investigation to identify the source of these disturbances. The town halls, initially, advised their citizens to stop consuming tap water, supplied by the same treatment plant for both municipalities, as a precautionary measure.
Tap water questioned by investigation
In order to better understand the origin of this wave of poisoning, a online questionnaire was set up by the ARS and Santé publique France. This allowed valuable information to be collected from 900 residents. In total, no fewer than 656 of them – or 13% of the residents of the two municipalities – reported symptoms suggestive of gastroenteritis. The results made it possible to specify the critical period of poisoning, located between August 31 and September 1.
While initially the hypothesis of water contamination had been ruled out, the results of the investigation ultimately proved otherwise. According to the latest information communicated by the ARS, it would be a point contamination of the water network, which occurred in the last days of August. Fortunately, after additional checks, it was confirmed that the tap water is again compliant and can be consumed safely.
Investigations underway to avoid any future risks
Although the situation is now under control, authorities are continuing to investigate to determine the exact causes of this contamination (and in particular, the germ in question) and thus prevent it from recurring. Preventive measures are already being considered to protect water quality in the future.
Indeed, the Loire Semène community of communes has signed an agreement with the Loire Bretagne Water Agency to strengthen the drinking water supply. An interconnection project with the Lherbet drinking water treatment plant is underway and should be finalized within six months. This aims to guarantee a better resilience of the water network for the future.
Human-to-human transmission is possible
“Whether they are of viral or bacterial origin, it is likely that the germs in question can cause secondary cases of gastroenteritis par transmission interhumaine“, specifies the ARS in its latest press release. Also, the health agency recommends that residents of the two municipalities respect certain hygiene measures, in order to avoid the spread of the epidemic. Namely:
- Avoid group activities : Sick people should refrain from participating in group activities and avoid public places while symptoms persist.
- Rigorous personal hygiene : regular hand washing with soap and water is essential, especially after each visit to the toilet, before preparing a meal or eating. Hands should be dried with disposable paper towels, which will be disposed of in a bin with a lid.
- Hydroalcoholic solutions : in addition, a hydroalcoholic solution can be used to disinfect hands, provided that they are not visibly soiled. If this is the case, washing with soap and water is essential before using these solutions.
- Avoid sharing personal items : it is recommended not to share water bottles or glasses, and to individualize toiletries, such as toothbrushes, towels or gloves.
Read also: What is cryptosporidiosis, which is caught by drinking tap water?
Source: www.topsante.com
