The key facts
- By November 5, 19 cases of opisthorchiasis were registered in Pugachyov
- The parasite pathogen was laboratory-confirmed in dried ide fish
- 35 kg of dried fish was seized from retail outlets, and the sale of other fish products in the chain was temporarily suspended
Investigation of the outbreak in Pugachyov
Rospotrebnadzor is conducting a sanitary and epidemiological investigation following the registration of a cluster of opisthorchiasis cases in the city of Pugachyov, Saratov Region. This was reported by the agency's press service: the agency has organized a 'set of anti-epidemic measures.' By November 5, the number of those infected had reached 19 people.
What is known about the source of infection
Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of opisthorchiasis pathogens in dried ide fish. According to the inspection data, all 19 infected people had purchased the product at stores of the Pivzavod chain in Pugachyov. After the parasites were discovered, the dangerous batch was ordered to be withdrawn from sale, and the retail chain temporarily suspended the sale of other types of fish products pending the completion of inspections. From the retail outlets 35 kilograms of dried fish were seized. Seven of those affected remained in hospital, with doctors assessing their condition as satisfactory. The Investigative Committee and the prosecutor's office also launched inspections following reports of the mass infection.
Why opisthorchiasis is dangerous
Opisthorchiasis is caused by parasitic worms that enter the body through the consumption of infected fish of the carp family — ide belongs to this family. The disease can affect the liver, gallbladder and pancreas, and without timely treatment it can become chronic. Rospotrebnadzor specialists continue to establish the circumstances of the disease's spread and are carrying out measures to prevent new cases of infection.
