Following an alarming spate of illnesses among holidaymakers in Turkey, UK authorities have issued an official warning to those planning to go on holiday to Turkish resorts. This news is especially relevant for Ukrainians.
As the Turkish media quoted the British Ministry of Health’s warning for tourists, it is about infection with the intestinal bacteria Coli bacillus (Escherichia coli), salmonella (Salmonella), and other pathogens. Thus, the text appeal emphasized the growing number of salmonella patients: at least 241 cases have been detected since the beginning of the current year.
General symptoms of infections caused by strains of the listed bacteria:
- Diarrhea, sometimes with blood
- Vomiting
- Stomachache
- General malaise
- Anemia
- Kidney damage
- Increased body temperature
British authorities have issued recommendations to travelers going on holiday to hotels in Turkey. The official text of the appeal contained “recommendations” on how to ensure safety while on vacation. For example, generally accepted advice on the need to use sunscreen, drink water regularly, and eat bananas was noted. The list of healthy foods was also topped by such “safe foods” as cheese, yogurt, and milk.
In addition, the authorities also focused the attention of tourists on the following points:
- Give preference to dishes that are prepared in front of the vacationers. This recommendation suggests that when choosing food, preference should be given to dishes that are prepared directly in front of the guests. This can reduce the risk of transmission of infections through food, as tourists can see the cooking process and can make sure it is hygienic.
- Use peeled fruits, because this reduces the possibility of transmission of bacteria or infections that may be on the surface of the skin.
- Be aware that “climate change may trigger the emergence of very serious mosquito-borne infections.” Tropical infections such as malaria, dengue, or the Zika virus may become more common in Turkey due to an increase in the country’s average temperature. It is recommended to take measures to protect against mosquitoes, such as using repellents, wearing protective clothing and preferring rooms with mosquito nets.
The significance of the warning was emphasized by mass lawsuits by vacationers. More than two hundred British tourists who visited Antalya in recent months intend to sue. All of them claim that they got sick while eating from the “buffet” in luxurious 5-star hotels, but at the same time, the tourists did not mention whether they followed hygiene practices – washing hands before eating, properly storing products taken with them into the hotel room restaurant