High temperatures trigger foodborne infections

It has been reported that rising air temperatures in the summer months create a suitable environment for microorganisms to multiply rapidly in food, leading to food poisoning and infection, especially in foods consumed outdoors or not stored under appropriate conditions.

Ankara Bilkent City Hospital Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fatma Eser warned an Anadolu Agency (AA) reporter about the increasing incidence of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea during the summer months.

Eser stated that the biggest factor in premature food spoilage is the disruption of the cold chain, and that patients usually apply to the hospital with gastrointestinal complaints such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Eser stated that food sold in the open, travel conditions, and outdoor environments like picnics can all contribute to food spoilage, saying, "It's important to ensure that your food and the products you consume are healthy and safe. This can be achieved by avoiding food sold in the open, consuming water from a source we trust, and ensuring its conditions."

Emphasizing the importance of hand hygiene in preventing infections, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eser warned, "It's crucial to wash our hands frequently with soap and water. We must be more meticulous about adhering to cold chain rules. If possible, avoiding street food may be a better option during these times."

Eser emphasized that foods that are at increased risk of spoilage in hot weather should definitely be stored in the refrigerator, adding that even uncooked foods left outside can breed microorganisms and cause illness.

Stating that the first symptoms of food poisoning are usually nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, Eser continued:

"Then we try to drink as much fluid as possible. It's important to strive to stay hydrated. These infections usually self-limit and resolve within a day or two. If a person's symptoms are accompanied by fever and fatigue, but they are not drinking enough fluids, they should consult a healthcare center. This is especially important for children, the elderly, and those with comorbidities. These individuals should seek medical attention more quickly, without delay."

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eser noted that the increase in air temperatures also brings an increase in the number of patients, and noted the following:

"Over the last couple of weeks, we've been seeing an increase in nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in both outpatient and emergency department visits. Generally, we can say it's food poisoning. There are certain foods to watch out for, especially those that require extra caution. These include products containing eggs, such as cream and cake, which we can consume outside. We also need to be more careful when consuming chicken. These are foods that are more prone to spoilage."