Chest Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. Şevket Özkaya gave important warnings to the citizens, stating that there is a significant increase in legionnaires' disease (air conditioning pneumonia), which develops due to air conditioning use, and food and water-related summer diarrhea, with increasing temperatures in the summer months.
Prof. Dr. Şevket Özkaya said that with the increase in air temperatures in recent years, the use of air conditioning has become widespread in shopping malls, workplaces, hotels and homes. Stating that air conditioners can cause serious health problems if they are not cleaned properly, Özkaya said, "In the summer months, we see pneumonia cases related to legionnaires' disease, known colloquially as 'air conditioner shock', medically known as legionnaires' disease, much more frequently than in the winter months. The 'legionella' bacteria that grows in air conditioning systems and water tanks can reach the lungs through the air conditioner and cause serious pneumonia."
"Those who work in offices and banks are at risk"
Stating that applications to health institutions have increased in recent days with complaints such as headache, irritation in the eyes, nose and throat, persistent cough, a scratchy feeling in the throat, dizziness and itching, Özkaya said, "Cough, high fever, joint pain and weakness are at the forefront in Legionnaires' disease. Especially those who vacation in hotels, those who work in workplaces with central ventilation systems, congress centers, thermal facilities, offices and banks are at risk. It is of great importance to regularly maintain the filters and maintenance of air conditioners."
"It is caused by consuming unrestored food and using dirty water."
Pointing out that another important health problem of the summer months is food and water-borne infections, which increase in hot weather, Özkaya said, "Bacteria and viruses multiply very quickly in foods at high temperatures. Consuming food that is not stored under appropriate conditions and using dirty water are among the most important causes of infections known as summer diarrhea. These diseases become one of the most common reasons for emergency room and hospital admissions in the summer months."
Stating that the main risk factors that trigger summer diarrhea are spoiled foods, contaminated water and ice, inadequate hand hygiene and ingestion of dirty pool and sea water, Özkaya emphasized that it is vital to maintain the cold chain and comply with personal hygiene rules in hot weather. Reminding that the World Health Organization (WHO) warns against parasitic infections that can be transmitted through lettuce and similar leafy vegetables consumed raw, especially in regions with tropical climates, Özkaya said that these infections can cause symptoms such as frequent and watery diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramps, bloating and mild fever. Prof. also called on citizens and food businesses. Dr. Özkaya said, "Greens should be washed thoroughly with plenty of water, if possible, they should be cooked and consumed, and the outer leaves of lettuce and green onions should be cleaned. Businesses that prepare food should pay utmost attention to hygiene rules, and regular maintenance and cleaning of air conditioners should not be neglected." -SAMSUN