Turkey health officials warn of heat‑related risks as El Niño raises temperatures

Medical experts warned that the El Niño‑driven rise in temperature and humidity is increasing the risk of heat‑related illnesses across Turkey. Individuals with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney disease, the elderly, children, pregnant women and people with chronic respiratory conditions are especially vulnerable. Authorities advise drinking 2.5–3 litres of water daily, avoiding caffeine and sugary drinks, keeping indoor temperatures around 22‑23 °C, and not leaving pets or vulnerable persons in hot vehicles.

Hospitals reported a sharp rise in emergency visits for severe diarrhoea, vomiting, high fever and abdominal pain, which doctors attributed to food spoilage caused by the heat. As one emergency‑room physician said, “Kusma, dirençli ateş, şiddetli karın ağrısı ve ishal şikâyetiyle gelen hasta sayısı belirgin şekilde arttı.” They emphasized that antibiotics are only appropriate for cases with blood or mucus in stool or persistent high fever. Proper food storage, hand hygiene and avoidance of poorly kept dairy, meat and poultry were recommended to prevent further outbreaks.