The source of intestinal infection is usually a sick person or a bacteriocarrier. It is possible that in Rostov-on-Don, pathogens got into finished products from the hands of infected workers who are engaged in preparation or packaging, or as a result of violation of sanitary regulations. To find out, the corresponding services are conducting an epidemiological investigation.
“The infection enters the body in various ways: contact-home – through various objects (door handles, railings, handrails in vehicles), children’s toys, sand (on the beach, in the sandbox on the playground) , through dirty hands second option (that is, it took place in Rostov-on-Don) – food – infection enters through food, for example, in case of violation of the conditions for the preparation and storage of perishable products Violation of storage and transportation of dairy products, multicomponent salads, confectionery products lead to an increase in infections caused by bacteria, – explained Yulia Zotova – Finally, the third way – water – the infectious agent enters with water (drinking, or in summer while swimming in a contaminated reservoir).Food and waterborne modes of transmission are more typical for bacterial intestinal infections, such as salmonellosis, dysentery, campylobacteriosis. with the home is mainly characteristic of viral ones: rotavirus, norovirus, adenovirus, etc. “
Regardless of the pathogen causing the disease, the main symptoms of intestinal diseases are largely similar: vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, flatulence, fever. Children may also experience catarrhal phenomena: runny nose, cough.
“By the way, children are more prone to intestinal infections than adults. This is due to frequent non-compliance with hygiene measures – they are active, they like to grab everything, put it in their mouths. Visiting places with a large concentration of children : kindergartens, schools, additional circles, the risk of infection transmission also increases Some toys, shared rooms, shared lunch… Adults usually get infected in transport, at work, in cafes, restaurants, while traveling “says the expert. .
Intestinal infections are usually treatable, but they can also have serious consequences. “Since the main manifestations of the disease are vomiting and diarrhea, there is a large loss of water, mineral salts and nutrients. As a result, a serious complication is dehydration of the body or dehydration (exicosis),” says Yulia Zotova. .
The main symptoms of dehydration.
• The mucous membranes of the mouth, lips dry up and the skin becomes pale and dry.
The eyes look “sunken”, bruises appear.
· Lethargy, drowsiness.
Decreased amount of urine.
• Young children under one year of age can develop life-threatening conditions: neurotoxicosis, seizure syndrome.
“At the first symptoms of dehydration, you should immediately consult a doctor. For children, this can be critical. Also, an intestinal infection can lead to inflammation of the gallbladder and its ducts, damage to the pancreas. And in severe cases, intestine bleeding, appendicitis, peritonitis can develop,” says Zotova.
Can you help yourself before the doctor arrives?
Julia Zotova made the following recommendations:
1. If you or your child are unwell and show signs of infection, the first thing to do until qualified medical care is provided is to replace the loss of fluids and mineral salts. It is recommended to drink still water and take saline solutions, such as Regidron, in small portions.
2. If the body temperature has risen to 38◦C or more, it is necessary to take an antipyretic. And do not hesitate to go to a doctor!
3. The diet will help alleviate the condition. Exclude from the diet rough foods and foods that promote increased gas formation in the intestines: fresh vegetables, fruits, carbonated drinks, whole milk and cooked cereals.
How to protect yourself from infection?
• It is necessary to wash your hands with soap in any situation: before eating, after each visit to the toilet, after returning from a walk.
• Wash vegetables and fruits. Even those in the peel: bananas, oranges, tangerines.
• To drink it is better to use bottled water and disposable cups. If it is not possible to buy a bottle of water, use boiled water.
• Use clean or disposable utensils.
• Keep the place of residence clean, regularly perform wet cleaning.
• Wash children’s toys.
• Be sure to check the expiration date when you buy food. Observe the temperature regime for storing perishable products: sour milk, cheeses, sausages, sausages, cakes, pies. There is still a risk of contracting an infection from prepared foods, especially if they have not been cooked.
