According to the first estimates, the cases of gastroenteritis detected in Rizomylos and Stefanovikio in the Municipality of Riga Feraios are due to the Salmonella bacterium.

Pending the official results, within the day, of the samples that have been taken and sent to an accredited chemical laboratory, in order to carry out the necessary tests on the water in the area, the competent services have advised the residents not only not to drink from the water tap, but not to use it for their personal hygiene, nor for washing food and cooking.

It is noted that the Department of Environmental Hygiene, Sanitary Control and Public Health of the Directorate of Public Health and Social Care P.E. of Magnesia and Sporades, after being informed by the EODY about an increased number of gastroenteritis cases at the Velestino health center and at the Volos General Hospital, on the 31st of May, on the same day, it carried out drinking water sampling from the water supply network of the local communities of Rizomylos and Stefanovikios, as well as from the central water reservoir of Rizomylos – Stefanovikiou. The samples were sent to the Regional Public Health Laboratory of Thessaly in Larissa, from where the results are expected today.

At the same time, on the same day, the Municipality of Riga Feraio was also informed about the measures being taken, while today it will be carried out, by an echelon of the EODY in collaboration with the Directorate of Public Health and Social Care P.E. Magnesia and Sporades, detailed investigation of cases, control of the water supply network of the Local Communities of Rizomylos and Stefanovikei, as well as taking drinking water samples of the water supply network.

Not potable water for any use

Until it becomes clear what really happened, the competent services continue to ask the residents of Rizomylos and Stefanovikios not to use water from the network for human use both from the domestic network and from the public taps.

At the same time, special recommendations have also been made to schools in the area so that children do not drink water from the taps, but also to the managers of hotels and tourist accommodation as well as shops of health interest, handicrafts and home-made food.

At the same time, the situation is considered particularly serious as an elderly person is hospitalized in ICU and nine children in simple beds with severe symptoms. The first laboratory tests showed that the symptoms of gastroenteritis are linked to the water, while a sample with salmonella was also found. In total, the cases of gastroenteritis have exceeded 100, according to the latest information from the competent services.