Mon Sep 23 17:42:00 UTC 2024: ## Aswan, Egypt, Faces Surge in Intestinal Flu Cases: E. coli Contamination Blamed
**CAIRO, Sept. 23 (Xinhua)** – Aswan Governorate in southern Egypt is grappling with a surge in intestinal flu cases, prompting authorities to investigate the source of the outbreak.
According to Egypt’s Minister of Health and Population Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar, 480 individuals have sought treatment at local hospitals for the illness. While most patients have been discharged, 78 remain under observation and 36 are receiving intensive care, largely due to pre-existing health conditions.
The outbreak has been linked to E. coli bacteria, likely originating from contaminated drinking water. Abdel-Ghaffar stated that an average of 18-19 new cases are reported daily at Aswan hospitals.
In response, a task force comprising the Ministry of Housing, the Drinking Water Company, and Aswan Governorate has been assembled to investigate the sources of contamination.
The Minister reassured the public that water quality has been rigorously tested and found to be safe across all water stations in Aswan.
First Piper 