Almost 250 Salmonella infections in the United Kingdom since the start of 2023 have been linked to travel to Turkey.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has shared measures to reduce the risk of common infections when traveling abroad this summer.
The agency found several clusters of gastrointestinal disease among people returning from Turkey, most of whom had been to the Antalya region. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) revealed several related clusters, indicating a likely common source of infection.
Between mid-January and July 19, there were 241 confirmed cases of Salmonella Enteritidis, the majority with specimen collection dates from April onwards.
Fifty-six percent of cases were male and the median age was 29 years. In the 93 cases where travel information was available, people reported staying in different hotels in Turkey and mostly eating different meals at their hotel resort as part of an all-inclusive holiday package.
The UKHSA issued a warning before the school summer holidays because the source of the disease has not yet been determined. The UKHSA, Turkish health authorities and other international public health agencies are involved in ongoing investigations.
General travel advice
More than 130 holidaymakers, including 50 children, who fell ill in Turkey sought help from law firm Irwin Mitchell earlier this year.
“We have now been contacted by more than 130 people who suffered from severe stomach pain while on vacation in Rixos Sungate in Turkey, which is very worrying. The most worrying thing is that many of those affected are children and there are many cases of Salmonella which is very dangerous for the most vulnerable such as children and the elderly,” said Jatinder Paul, international lawyer of serious injury.
Regardless of destination, the UKHSA advises people to watch what they eat and drink while traveling to avoid potentially serious foodborne illnesses, which are spread by eating and drinking contaminated food or water.
Steps to reduce the risk of infection include washing hands thoroughly especially after using the toilet and before preparing or eating food. Make sure foods are cooked or reheated thoroughly and perishable foods are cooled in the fridge or freezer.
Other tips mentioned are eating only fruit that has been peeled on their own whenever possible and consuming pasteurized dairy products such as yogurt, milk, and cheese.
Gastrointestinal disease can be worse for pregnant women, adults age 65 and older, children age 5 or younger, people with chronic health conditions and those with weakened immune systems.
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