Trend of increasing cases of salmonella and intestinal infections at the seaside. In recent weeks, health authorities in Varna have registered an increase in the number of patients, reports Nova TV.
The RHI reports that with each passing week, cases of gastrointestinal infections and salmonella are increasing, and one of the reasons for this is the high summer temperatures.
“They favor the development of bacteria, because they are mainly related to food, food products and the slightly lowered personal hygiene of people”, says Dr. Anka Baeva, head of anti-epidemic control at the RHI-Varna. “Salmonella from 17 in 2024, is now 14 in July. However, we have an increase from the previous week - from 2 to 9. This is because of an explosion that we had in a kindergarten. The temperature regimes of all products must be observed. They must not be left in the sun, which promotes the development of these microorganisms”, says Dr. Baeva.
Since the beginning of the season, the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency has been carrying out increased inspections in food establishments.
“Since the beginning of June, we have had approximately 890 inspections. There are 150 prescriptions. There are 29 acts that we have issued. We have 6 closed establishments so far since the beginning of the season. These establishments have suspended their activities mainly due to poor hygiene. But there are also those that operate without a permit from the Food Safety Agency. Usually, what we have found is that the staff is not well trained and underestimates the risk. It is recommended to work with gloves. Especially where food is prepared for children”, explained Dr. Zlatina Dimova, Director of the Food Safety and Hygiene Department-Varna.
The control authorities also remind about the sanctions. “They start at 2000 leva. Depending on the degree of the violation. The biggest sanction, however, is the sealing of the site and the imposition of an order to stop it”, explained Dr. Dimova.
If a person does get infected, the health authorities advise: “First of all, it is good for people not to treat themselves. This can lead to a salmonella carrier, in which they can carry salmonella for another 4-5 months and infect without having symptoms themselves. It is good for them to either go for a laboratory test or to their general practitioner. If they vomit profusely and have frequent bowel movements - they should go to an infectious disease clinic”, advised Dr. Anka Baeva.
And in order to reduce the risk of such situations, it is good to follow the advice of specialists. “Maintain personal hygiene, wash your hands often. Be careful with food and food products. Either they should be well processed, kept in refrigerated conditions”, recommends Dr. Baeva.
”If a discrepancy is found or suspected, signals should be sent via the online platform published on the BFSA website. The active civic position, the active civic assistance that you would provide us, would lead to increased control effectiveness”, says Dr. Baeva.