28.07.2026 13:00
While claims of a 'waterborne outbreak' on social media in Ankara have recently raised concerns, thousands of citizens reportedly flocked to hospitals with complaints of nausea and high fever following water cuts in Altındağ and Mamak. ASKİ states the water is safe, but no official statement has been issued by the Ministry of Health yet.
In recent days, rapidly spreading posts on social media platforms in Ankara have brought mysterious health complaints, allegedly on the rise across the city, to the top of the agenda. Claims voiced following infrastructure issues and water cuts, especially in the Altındağ and Mamak districts, have caused public concern.
FOCUS OF COMPLAINTS: NAUSEA AND HIGH FEVER
According to information shared by thousands of citizens on platform X (formerly Twitter), many people have simultaneously begun to experience similar symptoms. The most frequently reported complaints include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Severe diarrhea and abdominal pain
- High fever
- Sudden weakness and fatigue
While some social media users claim these ailments appeared after consuming iced drinks or using tap water, there are also posts indicating overcrowding at emergency rooms.
TRANSFORMERS FAILED, WATER SUPPLIES CUT
Due to transformer failures in Ankara's Altındağ and Mamak districts on July 26-27, water cuts occurred for approximately three days. After the issue was resolved and water was restored to the network, some citizens alleged that the water flowing from taps was cloudy, dirty, and foul-smelling. Users linking the health problems to this situation have raised suspicions of an outbreak.
ASKİ EMPHASIZES 'SAFE WATER'
In statements made by the Ankara Water and Sewerage Administration (ASKİ) regarding the issue, it was stated that the quality of the network water is regularly analyzed and that the water is completely safe. However, despite ASKİ's statements, citizens fear that the ailments may be waterborne rather than seasonal illnesses.
NO OFFICIAL CONFIRMATION FROM AUTHORITIES YET
Despite the growing claims on social media, the Ministry of Health and the Ankara Provincial Health Directorate have not yet made any official confirmed statement regarding the presence of any epidemic disease in the city or that the illnesses stem from drinking water. Official statements from authorities and possible laboratory test results on the matter are eagerly awaited by the public.
Here are some of those posts;