Rising Sea Temperatures Increase Infection Risks, Turkish Expert Warns

As summer temperatures rise, so does the incidence of infections linked to swimming in seas and pools, alongside food and waterborne illnesses. Doç. Dr. Mustafa Doğan, a faculty member at Namık Kemal University's Faculty of Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, warns that elevated sea temperatures can increase the bacterial, fungal, and viral load in the water.

Dr. Doğan outlined common causes for gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting during summer. These include consuming fruits and vegetables that are not thoroughly washed, eating undercooked food, and spending excessive time in swimming pools or the sea. He stressed the importance of maintaining proper chlorine levels in pools and advises swimming only in areas with blue flags in the sea to minimize risks.

Furthermore, Dr. Doğan highlighted the dangers of consuming water and ice from unknown sources, identifying ice as a potential hidden source of contamination that can lead to widespread outbreaks of illness. He strongly recommends consuming ice only from secure sources and emphasizes the importance of hand hygiene after spending time outdoors. The expert also cautioned that these symptoms can be more severe in vulnerable populations, such as children under five, individuals over 65, pregnant women, and those with chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or kidney failure. He urged those experiencing severe symptoms, including frequent diarrhea, high fever, persistent vomiting, or altered consciousness, to seek immediate medical attention to prevent life-threatening complications such as dehydration, kidney failure, and electrolyte imbalances.