Valencia: Salmonella, Staphylococcus and Vibrio alerts

In the aftermath of the severe flooding in Spain, particularly affecting the Valencia region, experts have highlighted a significant risk of the transmission of infectious diseases, namely those caused by enteric microorganisms such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Staphylococci, and Vibrio. According to Matteo Bassetti, Director of Infectious Diseases at the San Martino Polyclinic Hospital in Genoa, Italy, there are potential health and epidemiological risks associated with the high probability of wastewater contamination with rainwater, a common occurrence in the aftermath of extreme weather events. In areas experiencing adverse weather conditions, experts from the Italian Society of Environmental Medicine (SIMA) have also highlighted potential health risks, including an increased prevalence of gastrointestinal diseases, dermatitis, and conjunctivitis. However, instances of actual poisoning are also a possibility, due to ruptured underground pipes, the overflow of toxic waste, or the release of chemicals stored in the ground.