The Mexico General Hospital has suspended its cafeteria service for staff following a salmonella outbreak that has affected 135 doctors. Currently, 41 doctors, including residents and specialists, are hospitalized, with 15 of them in intensive care due to complications related to salmonellosis.
The salmonellosis outbreak, first reported on August 31, led to the hospitalization of doctors exhibiting symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and mild fever. However, it has been revealed that delayed treatment in some cases has led to serious complications, including renal failure and hypovolemic shock. An anonymous source from the medical staff mentioned that “they became more complicated, and there are residents who are already in intensive care, one of them, the most severe case, is pregnant”.
On September 1, as the cases began to rise, the hospital decided to set up a specific area to treat those affected and also closed the cafeteria operated by third parties. A statement from the Mexico General Hospital “Dr. Eduardo Liceaga” confirmed that epidemiological investigations are being conducted to determine the source of contamination and improve prevention practices.
Laboratory studies have identified the bacteria Salmonella spp. in the affected patients. In at least two of these cases, a co-infection with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) has also been detected. The health status of the 41 hospitalized doctors is considered stable, although 15 are under intensive monitoring due to the severity of their symptoms.
This event highlights concerns about the risks associated with gastroenteritis, especially during hot weather, as noted by Francisco Iván Hernández Hernández, coordinator of Comprehensive Health Care at the first level of IMSS. The expert warned that factors such as heat, consumption of contaminated food and water, and lack of hygiene can increase the likelihood of falling ill.
Source: www.infobae.com
