Le Figaro Nice
Diarrhoea, vomiting, severe abdominal pain and slight fever: several cases of "cryptosporidiosis" have been identified in the Alpes-Maritimes, particularly in the west of the department, last week. Investigations were quickly conducted by the Regional Health Agency of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur and Public Health France. The first conclusions tend to "a possible contamination of the water networks", indicate these authorities. They identify ten cases at this stage.
The possible contamination of the water was more precisely detected in five municipalities of the Maralpin territory: Saint-Cézaire-sur-Siagne, Peymeinade, Le Tignet, Spéracèdes and Cabris. Investigations will continue and a new update on the situation will be provided next week. In the meantime, public authorities recommend going without tap water as a precaution and giving preference to bottled water, especially for immunocompromised people and infants (especially for bottle preparation). On the other hand, running water can still be used for cooking, showering and household purposes, such as laundry and dishes.
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At the appearance of symptoms, patients are contacted by ARS Paca teams to try to determine the origins of potential contamination related to the consumption of tap water. Thus, special attention is paid to all consultations in the hospital and in the city for gastroenteritis. "A strengthening of sanitary control of drinking water is put in place and will be maintained until the end of this episode," says the ARS and the local branch of Public Health France in a statement.
"Cryptosporidiosis" is characterized by an infection of the digestive tract due to a parasite of the same name. The resulting disease remains benign and the incubation period averages one week. In the cases detected in the Alpes-Maritimes, no aggravating factor and no hospitalization have been noted at this stage.