Sanitary Inspectorate warns: possible vibriosis in Poland! First people quarantined

Tropical diseases are rarely discussed in Poland, but a case from the Lublin region caught the attention of the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate. A bacterium from the same group as the cholera virus was detected in the patient's body. Although everything currently points to a milder form of infection, two people close to the patient have been placed under quarantine, and another six are under epidemiological supervision.

A 65-year-old man from the Łęczna district was admitted to University Clinical Hospital No. 1 in Lublin. According to Professor Krzysztof Tomasiewicz, head of the infectious diseases clinic, the patient had not traveled recently and was admitted to the facility with gastrointestinal symptoms.

"The patient's condition is stable. The symptoms have subsided. Everything is under control," Prof. Tomasiewicz told PAP.

As explained by Marek Waszczewski, spokesman for the Chief Sanitary Inspector, tests revealed the presence of the Vibrio cholerae bacteria. "We suspect vibriosis, which is caused by the same group of bacteria," Waszczewski said in an interview with the Polish Press Agency.

Hospital tests do not determine whether the bacteria are toxin-producing, only if they are known to cause cholera. The material was sent to the National Institute of Hygiene in Warsaw, where more detailed analyses are being conducted.

"We're waiting for the results of the tests that will be conducted there to determine whether this bacterium can produce a toxin. Only then will we be able to say whether it's cholera or not," explains Professor Tomasiewicz.

In accordance with applicable regulations, if the cholera virus is detected, even if its toxicity has not yet been determined, protective procedures are initiated . According to the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate (GIS), two members of the patient's immediate family have been quarantined, and six others are under epidemiological supervision.

This means they must monitor their health and seek medical attention immediately if any symptoms appear. These safety measures are in effect for five days.

Vibriosis is a disease caused by bacteria of the genus Vibrio, different from those that cause classical cholera . These infections usually involve the gastrointestinal tract and are milder. Symptoms appear within 24 hours of contact with contaminated food or water and last for about three days.

Typical symptoms include watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Treatment primarily involves fluid and electrolyte replacement. In more severe cases, antibiotics are used.

On Saturday (July 19), another person was admitted to the provincial hospital in Szczecin with suspected cholera. However, according to a GIS spokesman, "preliminary results for this patient indicate that it is definitely not cholera ."

According to data from the National Institute of Public Health – National Research Institute, cholera cases in Poland are extremely rare. Despite this, detailed procedures are in place for detecting the Vibrio cholerae bacteria.

According to data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, more than 111,000 cases of cholera were recorded worldwide between January and May 2025. 1,500 people died, mostly in African countries.

Although the disease is usually mild, in 10-20% of cases it can lead to severe dehydration and death. Therefore, vaccination is recommended in high-risk countries, including for medical personnel and travelers.

Source: GIS