The National Public Health Center is warning that the incidence of acute diarrheal diseases (ADDs) and food-borne illnesses is on the rise in Moldova, IPN reports.

In particular, during January-July 2017, the incidence of ADDs rose to 367.5 cases per 100,000 population, from 251.8 cases in the similar period last year.

In the first half of August alone, four such outbreaks were reported, with 38 people being affected in Chisinau, 27 people in Stefan Voda, 26 in Straseni, and 13 in Orhei. All the cases were in connection with food served at restaurants, in particular at wedding receptions or birthday parties, including leftover food offered to family members at home.

Recent inspections revealed that food was being cooked in unsanitary conditions in at least two summer camps for children, one in Stefan Voda and another in Telenesti, where Salmonella pathogens were discovered.

In some cases, food was being cooked by personnel without proper hygienic training and without medical examination certificates.

To prevent acute diarrheal diseases and food-borne illnesses, especially in children, a number of rules should be followed: avoid buying food from unauthorized places lacking proper storage conditions; wash hands after using the toilet and before every meal; keep cooked food away from uncooked produce and use separate cutlery.