Ministry of Health predicts likely surge in cases of Vibriosis

SANTIAGO.- The Undersecretary of Health, Jeannette Vega, has predicted a likely increase in the number of Vibriosis cases according to the latest statistics related to the bacteria, which has already affected 694 people in almost two months.

"During December we have seen cases of Vibriosis like never before. Therefore, we are saying that it is likely that there will be an increase in cases of the sickness this year. Until the 28th of this month we had already registered 694 cases throughout the country", the undersecretary told Radio Cooperativa.

Amid the alert, Vega insisted that the responsibility of preventing the illness is shared and that people merely need to follow five guidelines in order to avoid becoming contaminated.

"Boil seafood for five minutes; keep seafood products refrigerated and separate from other foods; consume and purchase seafood in authorized locations; remember that lemon juice does not cook food; and wash your hands before cooking", stated the undersecretary.

Vega also reminded people that there were 3,500 registered cases of Vibriosis last year and that in 2004, when an epidemic was declared, there were almost 10 thousand people affected by the illness.