Following the tragic bus accident in Oued El Harrach, the Ministry of Health has issued an urgent appeal to citizens, volunteers, and members of the Civil Protection who bravely jumped into the water to rescue the victims. Doctors are warning about the health hazards associated with direct exposure to the waters of the Oued, which are known to be heavily polluted.
Dr. Youcef Boudjelal stated this Saturday to Jeune Indépendant: “This waterway has been carrying domestic and industrial wastewater for years. It constitutes a veritable reservoir of pathogens and toxic substances. Bacteria, fungi, viruses, and heavy metals accumulate there, transforming any immersion in the water into a major health risk.”
Following the heroic rescue that allowed several passengers to be pulled from the wrecked bus, some people were directly exposed to this contaminated water. Dr. Boudjelal urges them to be extremely vigilant. Anyone who has been in contact with the Oued and is experiencing symptoms such as a sudden fever, vomiting, diarrhea, skin itching, skin swelling, or redness of the eyes should go to a doctor immediately. He affirms: “Under no circumstances should these signs be minimized, nor should self-medication be used. Only a medical diagnosis can prevent complications that are sometimes serious.” The specialist assured that the health risks are very real and the symptoms can appear at very variable times.
He also explained that some infections occur rapidly. Salmonellosis, for example, can cause severe diarrhea between 8 and 72 hours after exposure. Cholera, whose first signs usually appear within 2 to 5 days, manifests as watery, abundant diarrhea, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and a high risk of dehydration.
The microbiologist added that other conditions take longer to develop. Giardiasis, due to a microscopic parasite, can remain silent but cause fatigue, abdominal cramps, and persistent diarrhea in some individuals. He also specified that the symptoms can appear between 7 and 21 days after contact. As for hepatitis A, it represents a delayed danger, with the first clinical signs, such as fever, jaundice, and digestive disorders, occurring on average after 28 to 30 days of incubation.
Therefore, the specialist insists on the necessity of medical follow-up for at least four weeks for any exposed person, whether citizens who participated in the rescue or members of the Civil Protection. Regular monitoring of health is essential in order to quickly detect any infection and allow for appropriate care. He emphasizes that “at the slightest alert, fever, digestive disorders, persistent diarrhea, vomiting, or unusual fatigue, it is imperative to consult a doctor without delay. Self-medication should definitely not be used.”
Dr. Boudjelal explained that self-medication, by treating the symptoms, can mask the progression of the serious diseases mentioned above, assuring that prevention and vigilance remain the best weapons against these diseases.