All victims reportedly had underlying health conditions. A total of 159 confirmed infections have emerged, with nine new patients in hospitals located in Podkarpackie Province and Lublin.
Regional outbreak
The health authority reports that the infected patients are hospitalized in a number of locations including Rzeszów, Rzeszów County, Dębica, Przemyśl, Kolbuszowa, Łańcut, Sędziszów Małopolski, Jasło, and Lublin. The majority of cases are centralized in Rzeszów, with 103 residents affected, followed by 34 in Rzeszów County. Other affected areas include Ropczycko-Sędziszowski County, Dębica County, Łańcut County, Przeworsk, Jasło, Przemyśl, Kolbuszowa, Nisko, and Stalowa Wola counties, as well as one case from Opolski County in Lublin Province.
The Polish health authority Sanepid is investigating the source of the outbreak. The agency is also conducting other anti-epidemic measures, including inspections and collection of water for laboratory testing.
Deputy Minister-Coordinator of Special Services, Stanisław Żaryn, was asked about the involvement of the Internal Security Agency in the outbreak.
Earlier this week, Żaryn confirmed that Internal Security Agency officers are part of the ongoing investigation into the infection's origin.
"We have not identified any information that we are dealing with sabotage," Żaryn said, dismissing rumors that the outbreak might be a result of deliberate action.
(jh)
Source: PAP