Beware-ecoli in food and water - Health Ministry

by Carol Aloysius

The Health Ministry has warned the public again to refrain from drinking unboiled water and eating unhygienic food which could contain faecal matter.

"The recent outbreak of hepatitis in some parts of the North East Province was due to the presence of ecoli in water. Ecoli in water or in food indicates the presence of faecal matter", a health official told the Sunday Observer.

He said that following the recent outbreak of hepatitis in Anuradhapura and Kuruwita sample of water had tested positive for ecoli after examination at the Health Ministry laboratories.

"In most cases, contamination occurs where water is stored. If the tanks or wells which store the water had not been properly cleaned or chlorinated, they could contain faecal matter".

When a water source was reported as below standard, in any part of the island, Health Inspectors would be sent to take samples and send them for testing.

"If positive, the owners would be taken to court," he said. Those using community wells where water was shared were especially at risk of various diseases if the water was contaminated. "If there is an outbreak of hepatitis or some other food or water disease in the area, our inspectors will visit the area, find the source of contamination and conduct education and awareness programs for those at risk", he said.

Commenting on the strategies to prevent ingesting faecal matter in food and water, Community physician Epidemiology Unit, Dr Manouri Mallwaarachchi said," My advice is for parents to give children only boiled cooled water to take to school, and home cooked food. They should also educate children on the dangers of contracting bowel diseases such as diarrhoea, dysentery and hepatitis by ingesting food and drinking ready-made drinks from wayside vendors as they are not hygienic".