Approximately 400 people are already suffering from bacterial infections, in a town in Colombia’s west, because of a contaminated water supply, local media reported Wednesday.
| “People are lying down anywhere since there aren’t enough beds. The situation is getting out of our control.” |
The water supply of Bajo Baudo in Choco state has been infected with fecal bacteria, leaving the municipality of 16,375 people with a health emergency.
The National Health Institute has tested the waters of Bajo Baudo and confirmed that it is contaminated with E. coli, Enterococcus and another fecal bacteria. These bacteria makes the water no longer drinkable and puts at risk locals’ health, according to El Espectador.
The Health Vice-Minister,Fernando Ruiz, told El Espectador that the water puts locals’ health at serious risk as the liquid is not suitable for human consumption.
There are approximately 420 reported cases of sickness due to water contamination in Bajo Baduo. The most common symptoms are pains, fever and diarrhea.
The high number of patients affected by the water resulted in overcrowding of the local hospital. The current situation surpassed the hospital’s capacity.
“People are lying down anywhere since there aren’t enough beds. The situation is getting out of our control” Baju Badu mayor told El Espectador.
Sources
- Emergencia Sanitaria en el Chocó (El Espectador)
