Argentina: Gastroenteritis outbreak in Los Antiguos

Event

More than 300 people have fallen ill with gastroenteritis - as of November 13 - in Los Antiguos (Santa Cruz province), leading to severe overcrowding at the nearby hospital in Perito Moreno. Health authorities are considering evacuating patients from the Perito Moreno hospital as resources have been overwhelmed. It should be noted that Perito Moreno is a popular tourist destination, located near Los Glaciares National Park.

The cause of the outbreak is still under investigation; the public water supply was feared to have been contaminated, although this has not yet been confirmed. Schools in the region have been closed until further notice.

Advice

Individuals in the Los Antiguos region are advised to only consume bottled water until the cause of the outbreak is determined, wash hands frequently (particularly before eating or preparing foods), regularly wash kitchen and bathroom surfaces with a disinfectant, and avoid eating reheated foods.