Zonguldak Provincial Health Director Uzm. Dr. Ertuğrul Güner said, “With the arrival of the summer months, a significant increase in microbial diarrhea cases is observed with the effect of hot weather.
Güner said in his statement as follows:
“Diarrhea can be caused by many factors, both bacterial and non-bacterial. Especially in the summer months, drinking unclean water and consuming food washed with this water play a major role in the increase in diarrhea cases. In addition, the consumption of vegetables and fruits in the summer season without washing them well also causes an increase in these diseases. The main causes of microbial diarrhea include bacteria such as E. Coli, Salmonella, Shigella, parasites such as Giardia, Amoeba and various viruses such as Rotavirus, Adenovirus, Norovirus. These microorganisms cause diseases by mixing with drinking and utility water and food. Water that has not been disinfected by methods such as chlorination and boiling and food that is not stored under appropriate conditions cause diarrheal diseases. In patients with diarrhea, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, weakness, fever and weight loss can also be seen in addition to diarrhea. In summer months, food can spoil quickly, so food should be cooked daily and consumed without refrigeration. Especially in the summer months, it is recommended to avoid consuming food sold outdoors, in the open and foods with an uncertain expiry date. Since the consumption of spoiled food can also cause diarrhea, it is recommended that freshly cooked or reheated food should not be kept in the heat for more than two hours, and frozen food should not be frozen again after thawing. Vegetables and fruits should be washed with plenty of clean water. Hygiene rules should be paid more attention in the summer months. Hands should be washed thoroughly with plenty of water and soap for at least 20 seconds, make sure that the water to be used is clean and disinfect it if possible. Foods should be kept indoors and foods that have been in contact with animals should not be consumed. Toilets and sinks used by people with diarrhea and used in common should be cleaned and disinfected. Patients with low immune systems, children under the age of two and the elderly over the age of 65 are more affected by diarrhea, and if these groups cannot replace the fluid lost as a result of diarrhea, it may turn into bloody diarrhea. If these groups show symptoms, they should immediately consult a health care provider. In general, it is recommended to avoid foods such as nuts, chocolate and fried foods. Drink plenty of water and consume healthy, hygienically prepared food to replace the fluid lost by the body during the summer months. In cases of diarrhea lasting longer than 24 hours, nausea, vomiting, fever, headache and decreased urine output, it is important to consult a health institution.
By taking these precautions, it is possible to prevent diarrhea cases in summer. We strongly remind you to be more careful and conscious about this issue for the health of our people.”
İHA Haber Kodu: 20240806AW262186