Attention to food-borne infections increasing in summer months

Infectious Diseases Specialist Dr. Aslı Özer drew attention to food-borne infections that increase in the summer months, emphasizing that hygiene rules must be followed regarding fruits and vegetables consumed raw—especially lettuce—as well as sliced products sold in the open and ice consumption.

Food safety risk in summer months

Infectious Diseases Specialist Dr. Aslı Özer stated that with high temperatures persisting during the summer months, food-borne infection risks also increase significantly.

Cyclospora and parasitic threats

Stating that Cyclospora is a parasitic infection agent that can be transmitted especially through contaminated water or food, experts indicated that this situation poses a health risk.

Cleaning of lettuce and leafy vegetables

Emphasizing that lettuce and other leafy vegetables must be washed properly, Dr. Özer stated that soap or detergent should not be used and the leaves should be cleaned one by one under running water.

Cutting danger in rind fruits

Recommending that fruits with rinds such as watermelon and melon must be washed before being cut, experts pointed out that otherwise, microorganisms can be transferred into the fruit via the knife.

Warning on open-air products and ice

Issuing warnings regarding sliced fruits sold in the open and ice made from unreliable water sources, Dr. Özer stated that unhygienic conditions pave the way for the multiplication of microorganisms.

Symptoms and applying to a health institution

It was noted that in the event citizens encounter symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, they should apply to the nearest health institution without wasting time.