The outbreak of water and foodborne diseases in Iran has turned into a serious crisis. According to new reports, these diseases have claimed the lives of ١٩ people so far, and ٣,٢٨٦ outbreaks have been recorded in ٣١ provinces of the country. Among these, the provinces of Kermanshah, Mazandaran, and Khuzestan have the highest number of outbreaks.
Worrying increase in infection cases
According to data collected from the infectious disease surveillance system, the number of recorded outbreaks has increased by about ١٣% compared to the same period last year. Specifically, in "rural and nomadic" areas and "urban or suburban areas," ٤٦% and ٥٤% of these outbreaks have been reported, respectively. Additionally, ٩٣ outbreaks have been observed in congregate settings such as camps and dormitories.
The number of outbreaks in the provinces of Kermanshah, Mazandaran, and Khuzestan is ٥٥٧, ٢٦٧, and ٢٣٨ cases, respectively. Meanwhile, the provinces of Tehran, Khorasan Razavi, and Fars are also experiencing an increase in cases with ٢١٤, ١٦٠, and ١٤٣ outbreaks.
Symptoms and causes of outbreaks
The total number of infected individuals in these outbreaks has been reported as ١٤,٧٢٦, of which ١,١٠٩ have required hospitalization. With a hospitalization rate of ٥.٧% and a mortality rate of ٠.١٣%, it is clear that these diseases pose a serious threat to public health.
Most outbreaks have occurred in households, amounting to ٢,٦٦٠ cases. The main clinical symptoms of patients in these outbreaks include acute watery diarrhea syndrome and food poisoning, which account for ٥٠.٦% and ٣٥.٦% of cases, respectively. Additionally, bloody diarrhea syndrome and jaundice have been observed in ٤.٦% and ١.٩% of outbreaks.
Food has been identified as a potential source of outbreaks in ٥١.٧% of cases, and "Shigella" species have been reported as the dominant microorganism in these outbreaks. This alarming situation indicates the need for urgent and serious measures to control water and foodborne diseases.
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