10.07.2025 09:30
An outbreak of diarrhea and vomiting that has affected over 100 members of parliament and staff in the Turkish Grand National Assembly has spread across Turkey. One of the individuals affected by the outbreak, Türkü Yağmur Nehir, the President of the Federation of Family Physicians, stated, "We are hearing about outbreak cases all over Turkey. The analysis of the tap water must be shared transparently with our citizens."
Recently, incidents that emerged in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) caused concern. More than 100 individuals, including members of parliament and assembly staff, applied to the Assembly Hospital with complaints of diarrhea, vomiting, and severe fatigue.
FEARS RELATED TO THE OUTBREAK HAVE COME TRUE
Concerns related to the outbreak that disrupted the Assembly and was also seen in Ankara have come true. The outbreak, which has started to be seen across Turkey, spreads rapidly from person to person, and striking statements came from Dr. Türkü Yağmur Nehir, the President of the Family Physicians Federation, one of those affected by the illness.
"UNFORTUNATELY, THERE IS STILL NO CLEAR LABORATORY RESULT"
Dr. Nehir, who stated that the outbreak is also occurring across Turkey, expressed: "Many of our MPs have also been affected by the outbreak. I was among those affected that day due to our presence in the health commission. Unfortunately, there is still no clear laboratory result to explain the outbreak in Ankara. And the analyses of the tap water need to be shared transparently with our citizens."
"WITH HOT WEATHER, RISK FACTORS HAVE ALSO COME TO THE AGENDA"
Although there is currently a significant outbreak in Ankara, we are also hearing about outbreak cases across Turkey. Because with the hot weather, risk factors are also coming to the agenda. Therefore, we demand that these tests be conducted as soon as possible and shared with us. Such outbreaks can generally be transmitted from microbes that mix with tap water, from environments lacking hygiene, or from communal areas.
"WE SHOULD NOT DRINK TAP WATER DIRECTLY"
Nehir also made the following warnings to citizens to protect themselves from the outbreak. Dr. Nehir stated that consuming summer vegetables without cooking is risky, saying, "Parks, pools, street food, and places that serve communal meals particularly represent the risk group during this process. We should wash our hands frequently with soap. We should not drink tap water directly. If possible, we should consume it after boiling. We should wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly with plenty of water. We should avoid foods sold openly outside."