Over 1,500 hospitalized with severe gastroenteritis following water contamination in Sharazur district

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – On Friday, Dr. Saman Barzanji, Kurdistan Region’s Minister of Health, announced in a press conference that 1,560 people have been hospitalized with symptoms of severe diarrhea and vomiting in the Sharazur district over the past 48 hours.

"Our teams have immediately launched investigations both in hospitals and at drinking water sources," Barzanji stated.

"Laboratory tests requiring 24 to 48 hours are currently underway to identify the specific bacteria responsible for the outbreak," he added.

The Minister confirmed their initial assessment regarding a similar recent incident in New Halabja: "Our preliminary conclusions were correct - one of the main causes was the mixing of agricultural water with drinking water supplies along the 'Bestan Soor' river, which serves as a primary source for clean water projects in the area."

Key points from the Minister's briefing:

-          The contamination occurred due to leakage caused by recent flooding

-          Insufficient chlorination levels in the water supply were also identified as a contributing factor

-          Most cases have been mild to moderate in severity

-          Patients from various age groups were affected

-          The majority of patients have been treated and discharged

-          Only one child required transfer to Sulaimani for additional treatment

The Health Ministry continues to monitor the situation and conduct follow-up investigations to prevent future occurrences.

The Kurdistan Region has recently experienced heavy rainfall and flooding, leading to infrastructure challenges in several areas, particularly affecting water supply systems.