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2026-07-31 23:14 UTC → 2026-08-19 14:34 UTC ·
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Turkey heat wave heightens health and food safety warnings
Health professionals continued to issue targeted advice as As Turkey’s extreme summer heat intensified. Building on earlier alerts from dietitian Gizem Güneş, Quirónsalud and doctors such as Burak Uzel rising temperatures persist, health professionals have expanded their guidance to address increasing risks of dehydration, food poisoning, and Nimet Karataş Torun, officials emphasized gastrointestinal illness. Dietitian Gizem Güneş warned that elderly people experience the combination of heat, increased pool and beach use, and improper food storage has led to a sharp decline rise in body water vomiting and thirst perception, recommending roughly 30 ml diarrhoea. She recommended light meals such as ayran, soups, boiled rice, and potatoes, suggesting the addition of rock salt to help restore mineral balance. Medical experts, including Dr. Cemile Özsürekçi and Dr. Burak Uzel, continue to emphasize high fluid per kilogram intake—recommending 2–2.5 L of body weight daily and water daily—and cautioning against diuretic drinks and improper air‑conditioning. Pediatric guidance reiterated that most childhood diarrhoea remains viral, urging prompt rehydration with oral rehydration solutions and noting WHO‑UNICEF endorsement of a 10‑14‑day zinc supplement to shorten illness like tea, coffee, and prevent recurrence. alcohol. The late‑July heat wave raised additional risks: heat‑stroke, kidney‑stone formation, and acute diarrhoea surged, especially among the elderly, children and those with chronic diseases. Hospitals has caused a surge in heat-stroke admissions, with Elazığ reported 10‑15 heat‑stroke admissions Medilines Hospital reporting 10–15 cases per day. Experts advised 2.5–3 L Urologist Dr. Tünkut Doğanca also warned of water per day to dilute urinary minerals increased kidney-stone risks, advising reduced salt and warned that beverages like tea, coffee moderate animal-protein consumption. To manage the physical effects of the heat, dietitians suggest replacing sugary or alcohol do not replace acidic drinks with kefir, ayran, or mineral water. Further measures emerged as the wave persisted. Doctors such as Cemile Özsürekçi urged limiting outdoor activity between 11:00 While water-rich fruits are encouraged, experts advise portion control for high-sugar options like melon and 16:00 watermelon. There is also a heightened focus on food safety, specifically the careful handling and maintaining 2–2.5 L storage of water daily. Urologist Tünkut Doğanca added recommendations for reduced salt intake dairy, eggs, and moderate animal‑protein consumption meat to lower kidney‑stone risk. Authorities in prevent poisoning. In response to the conditions, local authorities have implemented various measures: Antalya began climate‑control has intensified climate-control inspections on city buses, while and vendors in Diyarbakır covered stalls with have used tents after to protect produce from temperatures exceeded exceeding 43 °C. Forest‑fire smoke containing toxic particles was reported Additionally, municipalities like Muratpaşa are offering free nutritional counseling to aggravate assist residents with chronic respiratory conditions. conditions like diabetes and hypertension during the heat.