Emergency rooms overflowing in Zonguldak: Experts warn, 'you may become dehydrated'

The intensity observed in recent days in the emergency services of public hospitals and the university hospital located across Zonguldak province is causing concern in the healthcare community. The significant increase in the number of patients applying, especially in the evening and late at night, creates queues at hospital doors, while the workload of healthcare workers has increased markedly. The fact that almost all citizens apply with similar symptoms strengthens the possibility that the issue could be a single-type health problem.

The complaints of patients filling the emergency services largely overlap; the number of patients coming with exactly the same symptoms is striking. The most common complaints include sudden onset nausea, severe vomiting attacks, and stomach pains that are virtually excruciating. In addition, relentless severe headaches and extreme weakness and lethargy that make it difficult to even stand are the reasons patients apply to the emergency room. The fact that stretchers and observation rooms are largely filled with patients carrying these symptoms reveals the situation.

The emergence of this picture with the beginning of July and air temperatures rising above seasonal norms brings the question 'is there a summer epidemic?' to mind. It is stated that food poisoning resulting from the consumption of foods that spoil quickly in hot weather, viruses that may mix into pool and sea waters, or stomach and intestinal infections that emerge with seasonal transitions could be triggers for this situation. In particular, it is known that microbes such as rotavirus and adenovirus can spread faster and be more contagious in hot weather.

Experts regarding the issue make critical warnings especially regarding children and the elderly, who are risk groups, drawing attention to the fact that the body can become dehydrated very quickly along with vomiting. In order to prevent food poisoning and infections, it is emphasized that foods of unknown origin or kept under the sun for a long time should definitely not be consumed. Additionally, paying attention to drinking water, strictly adhering to personal hygiene rules, and especially washing hands frequently are shown as among the most important factors to prevent the spread of the disease.

Health officials state that if these symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, it is vitally important to apply to the nearest health institution without delay. It has been learned that while only treatments aimed at relieving complaints are currently being applied in hospitals in Zonguldak, processes of keeping under observation continue for definitive diagnoses to be made and necessary treatments to be planned. It is stated that such collective complaints can be prevented if citizens comply with hygiene rules and pay attention to healthy eating.