Puzzling poisonings in the Tatras: Tourists taken to hospitals
The Tatra Volunteer Search and Rescue teams have been receiving an increased number of emergency calls in the Polish mountains recently. There have been numerous reports of several groups of tourists experiencing severe stomach issues, with some cases being so serious that they needed to be airlifted to the hospital.
As the summer holidays draw to a close, many tourists are still travelling across Poland, with large numbers flocking to the picturesque Tatra Mountains, renowned for their stunning and challenging trails. Unfortunately, many visitors to southern Poland are unprepared for the often demanding hikes. Each year, social media is flooded with images of women in stilettos, children in slippers, and men in sandals attempting these trails. However, the issues do not end there.
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When setting out on a hike, it is crucial to have appropriate footwear, sufficient food provisions, and, most importantly, an adequate water supply. Staying hydrated is vital, particularly on warm days and during physical exertion. Unfortunately, many underestimate the time required for a Tatra hike, believing one bottle of water will suffice. When they run out, some turn to mountain streams, mistakenly assuming the water is safe to drink. This often leads to cases of poisoning, catching them by surprise.
Unfortunate consequences of drinking mountain stream water
On Sunday, 25 August, alarming news emerged from the mountains as TOPR (Tatra Volunteer Search and Rescue) teams found themselves overwhelmed by a series of mysterious mass poisonings among hikers. Medical professionals reported that at least 20 tourists showing gastritis symptoms had to be evacuated from the trails. A group of teenagers with the most severe symptoms were airlifted to hospital. Doctor Jerzy Toczek from Zakopane Hospital confirmed that all affected individuals had been drinking water from a mountain stream.
"The most likely cause of their symptoms was gastroenteritis. We determined that everyone except for one person in the best condition had consumed water from the stream, so it was most likely the water that caused the illness," Doctor Jerzy Toczek stated in an interview with Interia. He further noted that this is not the first instance of hikers requiring hospitalisation due to suspected poisoning from stream water.
TOPR rescuers suspect a virus may be present in the mountain stream water, although this has not yet been confirmed. This incident underscores the importance of carrying your own beverages while hiking. A stream that appears clean and safe may harbour hidden dangers. Letโs keep this in mind for our safety.
Source: polsatnews.pl
