The National Public Health Center under the Ministry of Health warns that due to the collapse and broken sewage pipes in Upės Street in Vilnius, pollutants entering the Neris River may seep into the underground water. As a result, the water of shaft and bore wells located closest to the river may be contaminated.
Currently, there are no data on groundwater contamination due to the accident. Public health specialists advise residents living near the river and using well water for food to use water for food from a reliable source, such as bottled water, if there are any doubts about the quality of the water (if there is an odor, unusual taste, color). Families raising babies under half a year old, as well as pregnant women, should be especially vigilant - contaminated well water is particularly harmful to them.
Until the water contamination of the Neris River returns to normal levels, residents are advised to monitor their well water and drink it only after making sure it is safe. This can be confirmed by conducting water tests. For water tests, you can contact an accredited laboratory that conducts water contamination tests, for example National Public Health Care Laboratory or to National Institute for Food and Veterinary Risk Assessment.
Weather conditions are unfavorable for the spread of infections
Water contaminated with domestic sewage can spread bacteria that cause diseases such as shigellosis, campylobacteriosis, typhoid, etc., viruses (adenoviruses, enteroviruses, hepatitis A and E, noroviruses, etc.), protozoa that cause the following diseases: cryptosporidiosis, amebiasis, giardiasis (giardiasis), helminths (small tapeworm).
When a large amount of these agents enters the human body, he may get the above-mentioned diseases, allergic skin rashes may appear. However, the incidence of many of these diseases is very low recently, with only isolated cases occurring. The incidence of viral intestinal infections is higher, but viruses are not resistant folders. Fortunately, cold weather and low water temperatures are unfavorable conditions for their survival. Therefore, the risk to human health is considered to be low.
