1,400 fall ill from contaminated drinking water in northeastern Hungary

June 2006

U.S. Water News Online

BUDAPEST, Hungary -- Some 1,400 people in northeastern Hungary have fallen ill from drinking water contaminated with bacteria, the director of national epidemic affairs said.

Flooding caused by heavy spring rainfall caused the contamination of spring water that flows into the water system serving the city of Miskolc, about 100 miles northeast of the capital, Budapest, experts said.

Residents of Miskolc began showing symptoms of bacterial poisoning, including diarrhea, vomiting and fatigue.

The number of sick had reached 1,400, with 95 people hospitalized, said the director of national epidemic affairs, Lajos Ocsai.

He urged residents to be vigilant about hygiene, including washing their hands before handling food. Residents should drink only bottled water, and use tap water only for cooking, experts said.

Trucks were bringing in water for household needs and school children.

 

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