A patient with suspected cholera was hospitalized in the West Pomeranian region. Although the woman, nor her relatives, had not been abroad, a molecular test detected the presence of cholera comma. An epidemiological investigation is underway. The State Sanitary Inspectorate reassures: there is no danger to the public.
An epidemiological investigation is underway. What do we know about the situation in Stargard?
Published July 21, 2025 07:51
Chief Sanitary Inspector Dr. Pawel Grzesiowski and national consultant in infectious diseases Professor Milosz Parczewski have issued a joint communiqué. It concerns a suspected case of cholera in Poland. The disease was diagnosed in a patient from the West Pomeranian region, who, significantly, had not recently traveled outside the country.
Due to increased symptoms of gastrointestinal infection, the woman was admitted to the district hospital in Stargard, and then transferred to the Infectious Diseases Unit at the Independent Public Regional Hospital in Szczecin. Two molecular tests confirmed the presence of cholera comma. For a full diagnosis, however, it is necessary to detect the bacterial toxin - these tests are underway. The patient's condition is stable and treatment is yielding results.
Preventive measures
As a preventive measure, the patient was placed in hospital isolation. Those in close contact were sent to a 5-day home quarantine, while those in further contact were placed under epidemiological surveillance. Environmental sampling is underway to check for the presence of bacteria in the patient's environment.
The State Sanitary Inspectorate reassures: the patient is effectively isolated, there is currently no danger to the population. The suspicion of cholera - according to the regulations - is sufficient grounds for launching protective procedures.
Cholera - basic information
Cholera is an infectious bacterial disease caused by the cholera comma(Vibrio cholerae). Epidemic illnesses mainly occur with O1 and O139 strains, which produce the cholera toxin. The bacterium is transmitted primarily by food - through contaminated water and food. The incubation period is usually 3-5 days. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and general weakness.
There are about 1.3-4 million cases of cholera worldwide each year, of which between 21,000 and 143,000 end in death. Most infections are reported in developing countries - the most recent major outbreaks have occurred in Haiti, Ghana, Mexico and Yemen. In Europe, cholera cases are rare and are usually associated with travel to tropical regions.
Recommendations and precautions
No additional recommendations have been made to the general public at this stage. It has been recommended to disinfect hospital wards in Stargard, temporarily stop admissions and visits to the internal medicine department. People under quarantine and sanitary surveillance are asked to self-monitor and contact a doctor or sanitary inspector if they experience any worrisome symptoms.
Source: GIF
