The European Center for the Prevention and Control of Diseases (ECDC) has issued a warning on the presence of Vibrio bacteria in the sea waters on the beaches of Turkey. These bacteria, frequently associated with the Baltic Sea in the hot season, have now been detected in Turkey’s coastal areas, including in the Marmara, Aegean and Mediterranean.
Tourists in Turkey are advised to be cautious. Photo: Pixabay
Vibrio bacteria develop rapidly in hot, salty or low salinity, and can cause severe infections, penetrating the body through open wounds. In severe cases, they can even lead to sepsis – a generalized, potentially lethal infection, reports the Turkish Milliyet and Euronews.
Doctor Uğur Afer in Istanbul warns that Vibrio Vulnificus and Parahaemolyticus species can cause serious tissue infections, also known as “Bacteria that eats meat”. The contact between an open wound and the contaminated water is the most dangerous scenario, draws attention to the specialist.
“Tupini such as Vibrio Vulnificus can cause tissue infections or even necrosis”, said Afer.
Another species, Vibrio Cholerae, can reach the digestive system by swallowing the infected water and causes cholera, a condition characterized by severe diarrhea and loss of liquids. Although in Turkey the cases of cholera are rare, doctors do not completely exclude the risk.
Doctors recommend caution and medical consultation immediately if the following symptoms appear after contact with seawater or pool: severe diarrhea, vomiting, fever, redness or swelling on the skin, abdominal pain, skin or tissue infections.
Danger and by consuming seafood raw
Vibrio Parahaemolyticus, another bacterium in this family, can be contracted by consuming raw seafood, such as oysters. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever and vomiting. In people with weakened immune system, the infection can extend into the blood and cause sepsis.
Women, more exposed to urological infections in summer
Against the background of the high temperatures and moisture in the genital area, especially after bathing, women are more prone to urinary tract infections, warns the doctor Uğur Afer. Bacteria such as E. Coli can easily reach the urinary tract, especially if the person stays with the wet bathtub.
The pools are not fully secure either. Experts say that, in hot days, they can become sources of infection with viruses and bacteria such as rotavirus, hepatitis A, E. Coli or Salmonella.
High risks for children
Pediatrician Hüseyin Yıldız points out that babies under four months should not be taken to sea, and those under six months should not be allowed to enter the pools due to the increased risk of infections, dehydration and hypothermia.
