BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s Department of Disease Control warned that the current heatwave was driving a rise in five common summer illnesses linked to food and drinking water.
The Department of Disease Control advised people to eat thoroughly cooked food, use serving spoons, wash hands frequently and drink only clean water, noting that high temperatures helped many pathogens multiply more quickly.
Heat acts as an accelerator for germs
According to the Department of Disease Control, periods of extreme heat were a key factor allowing many germs to spread particularly well.
Food- and water-borne infections were at the centre of concern, as they occurred more often during the hot season.
Diarrhea remains the most common illness
The agency identified diarrhea as the most frequent disease, caused by contaminated food or drinks carrying bacteria, viruses or parasites.
Typical signs were at least three watery bowel movements within 24 hours, sometimes with mucus or blood, often accompanied by vomiting. Severe fluid loss could become dangerous, especially for young children and older people.
Typhoid – high fever and red spots
Typhoid was described as resulting from Salmonella Typhi, transmitted when dirty food or drinks carried the bacteria into the body.
Warning signs included persistent high fever, headache, fatigue, as well as abdominal pain, bloating or constipation, and in some cases diarrhea. A distinctive feature could be possible red spots on the chest or upper body.
Food poisoning – when cooked dishes sit too long
In cases of food poisoning, the agency said the problem was often cooked food that was left unrefrigerated for too long or spoiled particularly quickly in the heat.
Typical complaints included fever, headache, severe nausea and vomiting, as well as abdominal cramps.
Cholera – dangerous loss of fluids
As a particularly serious infection, the agency highlighted cholera, which occurred when bacteria entered the body through undercooked or contaminated food.
Characteristic symptoms were the sudden onset of very watery stools in large quantities, often resembling rice water, together with nausea and vomiting. The body could rapidly lose water and minerals, posing a serious risk.
Hepatitis A – vague at first, then jaundice
Hepatitis A spread through food or water contaminated with the virus, or through close contact with infected people, according to the Department of Disease Control.
At first, symptoms were often non-specific, such as mild fever, fatigue, headache or pain in the upper abdomen. Later, dark urine and yellowing of the skin and eyes could develop.
What the agency recommended
To stay safe during the hot season, the Department of Disease Control recommended freshly cooked, well-done meals and advised people to avoid raw or undercooked dishes.
It also urged the use of serving spoons, frequent handwashing and the consumption of only clean water, such as bottled water with a recognized seal or boiled water.