Rospotrebnadzor Investigates Virus Reports in Turkey's Belek Resort
Concerns are rising over an unknown virus outbreak at a resort in Belek, Turkey, following reports of severe symptoms in Russian tourists, particularly children. A child from Russia developed alarming rashes on his arms, legs, and mouth, reminiscent of the Coxsackie virus, after spending time in a hotel. This incident has prompted Rospotrebnadzor, Russia's consumer protection agency, to seek information from Turkish health authorities regarding the situation.
The SHOT Telegram channel reported that several children and adults were hospitalized with high fevers and severe symptoms, including vomiting. Medical professionals noted that the condition of patients worsened for four to five days before gradually improving with treatment. Initial diagnoses included acute upper respiratory tract infections, but the emergence of rashes led to speculation about the Coxsackie virus, known for causing hand, foot, and mouth disease.
Despite these alarming reports, Turkish officials have denied any widespread outbreak, asserting that no complaints have been received from Russian tourists. The municipality of Antalya Province indicated that they would investigate further but had not encountered any concerning signals from the hotels in the area. In light of these developments, Rospotrebnadzor is closely monitoring the situation and has requested detailed information from Turkey's Ministry of Health.
Experts, including Olga Ulankina from Gemotest laboratory, have weighed in on the nature of the Coxsackie virus, which is highly contagious and typically mild, affecting mostly children under ten, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms can include high fever, headaches, and gastrointestinal issues, but most adults experience mild or no symptoms at all. The expert emphasized the importance of maintaining hygiene to prevent the spread of the virus, especially in crowded places like resorts.
