Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Yasemin Ersoy pointed out that summer diarrhea can lead to severe cases that can progress up to death and said, “Do not drink water of unknown origin. Pay close attention to hand hygiene. Follow safe food preparation rules.”
Acıbadem Kayseri Hospital Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Yasemin Ersoy said that according to World Health Organization data, more than 443 thousand children die every year due to diarrhea. Underlining that diarrhea is a serious health problem, Prof. Dr. Ersoy said, “Although the numbers are lower in developed countries, summer diarrhea is an important problem, especially with the increase in hot weather. As for the causes, we generally see 3 important reasons. With the increase in temperature, consumption of unsafe foods, drinking water from unsafe sources, as well as travel-related diarrhea are seen due to the increase in the rate of travel.”
Pointing out that the source of diarrhea in the summer season can be bacterial, viral or parasitic, Prof. Dr. Ersoy stated that these factors occur due to contamination of drinking or utility water or food, not preparing food according to proper hygiene rules and not storing it properly. He also added that sometimes sick people transmit viruses to other people directly or indirectly, especially through their hands, and with the increase in temperatures, swimming in unhealthy puddles, pools that are not well disinfected and seas close to points where sewage is mixed can also cause the transmission of diarrhea agents and other infectious agents.
“The most important problem is water and electrolyte loss”
Stating that 3 or more liquid stools per day is defined as diarrhea, Prof. Dr. Ersoy said that stools with a number and consistency outside the routine should also be evaluated in terms of diarrhea. Prof. Ersoy stated that diarrhea is sometimes accompanied by complaints such as fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and headache; the most important thing in diarrhea is water loss; and that dehydration can cause serious clinical findings and severe pictures progressing up to death. Prof. Dr. Ersoy said that it is very important to replace the lost water and electrolytes; therefore, in cases of diarrhea, fluid and electrolyte supplements should be administered orally as much as possible, and if this is not sufficient, intravenous fluid and electrolyte supplements should be administered intravenously.
Stating that rapid fluid deficit and electrolyte imbalance will occur with increased sweating in the summer months, Prof. Dr. Ersoy said, “If the cause of diarrhea can be determined or if there are conditions requiring antibiotic treatment, the treatments for this will be performed by Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology specialists or the relevant physician. Diarrhea with a high number of diarrhea; diarrhea accompanied by nausea and vomiting; bloody diarrhea or prolonged diarrhea require immediate consultation with a physician. In addition, diarrhea that seems to have a mild course in those with diabetes, chronic renal failure or sub-diseases that impair immunity can also cause serious consequences.”
“Do not drink water of unknown origin”
Stating that the incubation period varies according to the type of microorganism, Prof. Dr. Ersoy said, “Sometimes the microorganism infects food and creates toxin. When we take the toxin, we may encounter diarrhea cases again. Especially drinking water is critical in diarrhea. Water of unknown origin should never be drunk.”
Explaining that mains water is safe unless a warning is issued by local authorities, Prof. Dr. Ersoy recommended that drinking water should be boiled and consumed if there is a doubt in case of necessity, and that the water that comes after the interruption should not be drunk immediately.
“5 keys for safe food”
Speaking about the World Health Organization's recommendation of “5 keys for healthy food”, Prof. Dr. Ersoy listed these 5 items as follows:
“The first is to keep it clean. It is necessary to wash hands before and during cooking, to keep the environment and the materials used clean, and to protect food from contact with animals such as insects, flies, mice or pets. Secondly, cooked and raw foods should not come into contact with each other, the materials used for raw meat, poultry and fish should be separate, such as knives, cutting boards, etc., and they should not come into contact with cooked foods during storage. Thirdly, pay more attention to the correct cooking methods, especially for foods such as meat, chicken and fish. Particular attention should be paid to ensure that large pieces are well cooked. Normally, food cooked at 70 degrees for 30 seconds will kill microorganisms that can cause diarrhea, but it is important to make sure that the inside of large pieces of meat has reached this temperature. Microwave ovens may not reach the same temperature everywhere during cooking or heating. Therefore, it should be ensured that the whole food reaches sufficient temperature. Fourthly, it is also important to store the food correctly until it is consumed. Between 5-60 C0 is a suitable temperature for bacteria to multiply and produce toxins. For this reason, it should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours after cooking, it should be stored below 5 C0, even in the refrigerator, the storage period should not be too long. If cooked food also needs to be reheated, it should be heated above 60 C0. Fifth, safe water and food should be used. Clean water is also necessary for washing vegetables and fruits. It is also important to cut and clean the spoiled or rotten parts of the food.”
“It is essential to wash hands by rubbing for at least 20 seconds”
Pointing out that proper hand washing prevents the transmission of many diseases as well as diarrhea, Prof. Dr. Ersoy explained that before eating, after using the toilet, after touching garbage, chemicals, raw meat or poultry products, contact with animals, diaper changes, cleaning our nose, smoking, hands should be rubbed with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, rinsed with plenty of water and dried with a clean towel.
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