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After the tragic bus accident in Oued El Harrach, the Ministry of Health launched an urgent appeal to citizens, volunteers and Mres of civil protection which courageously threw themselves into the water to rescue the victims. Doctors alert to health dangers linked to direct exposure to waters of wadi, known to be heavily polluted.
Doctor Youcef Boudjelal said this SESTAmedi, at Independent young : “This river has been carving for years for domestic and industrial wastewater. It constitutes a real reservoir of pathogenic germs and toxic substances. Bacteria, fungi, viruses and heavy metals accumulate there, transforming any immersion in water into major risk for health. »»
Following the heroic rescue which made it possible to release several passengers from the rugged coach, some people found themselves directly exposed to this contaminated water. Dr. Boudjelal calls them to the greatest vigilance. Anyone who has been in contact with wadi and with symptoms such as a sudden fever, vomiting, diarrhea, itchy skin, swelling of the skin or even redness of the eyes must immediately go to a doctor. Affirming: “In no case should we minimize these signs or resort to self -medication. Only a medical diagnosis makes it possible to avoid sometimes serious complications. The specialist assured that the health risks is very real and the symptoms may appear at very variable deadlines.
He also explained that some infections quickly declare themselves. Salmonellosis, for example, can cause severe diarrhea between 8 and 72 hours after exposure. Cholera, the first signs of which generally appear within 2 to 5 days, manifests itself in aqueous, abundant diarrhea, accompanied by nausea, vomiting and a high risk of dehydration.
The microbiologist added that other conditions are slower to declare himself. The giardiase, due to a microscopic parasite, can remain silent but cause, in some individuals, fatigue, abdominal cramps and persistent diarrhea. He also said that symptoms may appear between 7 and 21 days after contact. As for thehepatitis has Hepatitis A is an inflammation of the liver caused by the virus of hepatitis A (VHA). The main mode of propagation of this virus is ingestion by a non -infected (and non -vaccinated) person of water or food contaminated by the faeces of an infected subject. The disease is closely associated with water and unsanitary foodit represents a delayed danger, the first clinical signs, such as fever, jaundice, digestive disorders, occur on average after 28 to 30 days of incubation.
This is why, the specialist insists on the need for medical follow -up for at least four weeks for any person on display, whether citizens who participated in the rescue or members of the Civil Protection. Regular monitoring of health is essential in order to quickly detect any infection and allow appropriate management. Stressing that “ At the slightest alert, fever, digestive disorders, persistent diarrhea, vomiting or unusual fatigue, it is imperative to consult a doctor without delay. It is important not to use self -medication ”.
Dr. Boudjelal explained that self -medication by treating the symptoms can mask the evolution of serious illnesses previously mentioned, ensuring that prevention and vigilance remain the best weapons in the face of these diseases.
It should be noted that the drama of Oued El Harrach thus sheds light on the worrying state of this river which remains, despite many projects announced, a symbol of chronic pollution in Algiers. Doctors and residents today call for collective awareness, believing that only real depollution and rigorous management of discharges can end this permanent danger. Dr Boudjelal concluded by declaring: “We must honor the courage of those who saved lives, but also protect their health.”