Alarming increase: Everyone is seeking help with complaints of diarrhea and vomiting
Due to the increasing complaints of vomiting, diarrhea, and fever in recent times, hospital emergency departments are overflowing. Experts are warning citizens to stay away from dirty seas and pools.
With high temperatures, there has been an increase in cases of fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea caused by bacteria and viruses. Citizens who swim in lakes, seas, or pools to cool off are presenting to hospitals with severe vomiting symptoms. Experts advise, "Avoid seas and pools whose cleanliness you are not sure of, and do not enter pools where daily chlorine checks are not announced."
The Danger of Contaminated Water
Dr. Ismail Balık, Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases at Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, stated that the most common cause of disease in contaminated waters is the bacterium Escherichia coli. "Some subtypes of E. coli, manifesting as vomiting, blood in stool, stomach cramps, and diarrhea, can pose a life-threatening risk," he said.
Dr. Balık emphasized, "E. coli is transmitted through fecal matter and is used to detect pollution in pool and sea water. Finding E. coli in tap water, pools, or sea water indicates contamination with fecal matter. The cleanliness of water at beaches or pools should be monitored for gastrointestinal diseases."
CHLORINE CONTROL IN POOLS
Professor Dr. İsmail Balık emphasized the need for regular chlorination of pools, stating, "The chlorine levels of the pool should be indicated on signs around the pool. Taking a shower before entering the pool or at least rinsing feet in a more heavily chlorinated area helps prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria."
BACTERIAL AND VIRAL HAZARDS
Dr. Balık pointed out that bacteria are transmitted through contaminated water and raw foods, leading to food poisoning or gastrointestinal infections caused by bacteria such as typhoid, dysentery, cholera, E. coli, and staphylococcus, as well as viruses like norovirus, which can cause vomiting and nausea.
CHECK BEFORE SWIMMING IN THE SEA
The Ministry of Health's General Directorate of Public Health monitors the quality of bathing water on sea and lake shores throughout the season via the Swimming Water Monitoring System. Information gathered to protect citizens and prevent water pollution is published on the ministry's website at https://yuzme.saglik.gov.tr/.
