Attention, quality of drinking water: “not all microbes are killed by boiling”

Dimitris Paraskevis, a member of the new EODY board of directors, warns of the dangers of contaminated water in areas affected by flooding.

Just a day after Deputy Health Minister Irini Agapidaki said residents in areas where the water is undrinkable can boil it for three minutes until it reaches 100 degrees so it can be used. However, EKPA Professor of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine Dimitris Paraskevis spoke about the dangers of this method of “disinfecting drinking water”.

A member of the board of directors emphasized: “Not all microbes are killed by boiling.” However, he emphasized that boiled water is preferable in any case if there is no other option. The risk of gastroenteritis, gastrointestinal and respiratory infections, and skin diseases especially increases.

Let us remind you that in 11 districts, residents not only cannot drink water, but also do not use it for brushing their teeth, taking a shower, washing dishes, etc. These are the areas:

• Volos, South Pelion, Almiros Municipality, Palama Municipality, Sofadon Municipality.
• Municipality of Argithea, municipality of Limni Plastira.
• Farsala Municipality, Killeler Municipality.
• Municipality of Pyli, Municipality of Farkadona.

“Citizens should avoid drinking water from the tap water unless we know from an official authority that it is suitable for body hygiene and for cooking,” Dimitris Paraskevis told ERT. He stressed that it is important that from Wednesday 13 September the water quality is officially declared by the community or municipality.

“This helps a lot because the necessary measures can be taken in time. As conditions remain challenging in terms of hygiene, if the water is unusable, the alternative is to boil the water to avoid the risk of exposure to contaminants,” advised Mr Paraskevis.

Speaking about flood victims living in areas where waters are still standing after the passage of Cyclone Daniel, the professor explained that they may be at risk of skin and infectious diseases due to exposure to potentially contaminated water. The plain of Thessaly is still full of animal carcasses. This means that the occurrence and spread of dysentery (or even cholera!) is possible.
“There is no need for particular cause for concern, but if a person develops any symptoms they should seek medical attention immediately,” Mr Paraskevis added.

The professor emphasized that due to the burdensome conditions for public health due to turbid waters and animal carcasses still lying in them, the risk increases, especially gastroenteritis, gastrointestinal infections, respiratory infections, and skin diseases. “At the coordination center in Thessaly, these diseases are carefully monitored on a daily basis. There are recommendations for the population, as well as other actions to reduce the risk to society,” he added.

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