04.02.2025 11:11
The fish deaths in the Ceyhan River in Adana have raised significant concerns in the region. In an evaluation of the situation, Prof. Dr. Ertan Kara stated, "There is a disease called Botulism. When people consume it, they can also develop Botulism. This disease, if left untreated, can paralyze the nervous system and cause death when it affects the central nervous system."
```html
ÇÜ Public Health Department Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Ertan Kara evaluated the fish deaths occurring in the Ceyhan River, which flows through the Özler Neighborhood in the Yüreğir district of Adana and is a lifeline for agriculture in Çukurova.
Prof. Dr. Ertan Kara noted that there could be a problem caused by the toxic effects of agricultural chemical waste due to the agricultural land in the region, the chemical contamination of water due to factory waste leakage, or zoonotic diseases known as infectious diseases spreading among animals and humans. Emphasizing that all three possibilities would have serious negative effects on human health, Kara highlighted the importance of the report from the relevant institutions and organizations and stressed that necessary precautions should be taken as soon as possible.
"LIVE OR DEAD FISH SHOULD NOT BE CONSUMED"
Prof. Dr. Kara, who warned the citizens living in the region, stated that until the relevant institutions conclude this process, citizens should be careful not to use dirty water in areas where fish deaths are observed, not to enter the water for cooling or other purposes, and if possible, not to catch and eat marine creatures there. If there is a poison from agricultural chemicals, catching fish from there would mean that the citizens would ingest the poisons they have taken in. This could lead to poisoning for various reasons. Additionally, when they come into contact with toxic water, just as there are side effects like burns and redness when pesticides touch their bodies, the same can be observed. If chemical agents have mixed with the water, taking fish as an example, when we eat the fish that have absorbed these chemicals, we also take them into our digestive system. Live or dead fish should not be consumed," he said.
"A DISEASE THAT CAUSES DEATHS"
Referring to the Botulismus bacteria that can cause deaths in fish, Kara said, "There is a disease called Botulismus, which is a common disease between humans and animals. It can cause death in fish. However, if live fish that do not die carry this, when people consume them, they can also get Botulismus. Botulismus thrives more in environments without air. This disease starts like food poisoning and can be treated with antisera if diagnosed early; if untreated, it paralyzes the nervous system and can lead to deaths when it reaches the central nervous system.
Our citizens know this from improperly prepared, bulging canned goods. If there is Botulismus in the fish here, it can also cause deaths and disabilities in humans. For this reason, I think it is not appropriate to catch, consume, or commercially sell fish in the region. I expect our authorities to take precautions in this regard," he said.
```