In the summer, due to high temperatures, the risk of acute intestinal infections, salmonellosis, botulism, and food poisoning significantly increases. The main risk factors remain violations of storage rules for products, non-compliance with personal hygiene, and consumption of low-quality drinking water. This was reported by the Kyiv City State Administration's Department of Health.

Rules of prevention and dangers of non-centralized water sources

According to Tetiana Hainutdinova, head of the infectious diseases department at St. Michael's Clinical Hospital in Kyiv, summer heat creates ideal conditions for the spread of toxic infections.

However, in most cases, illness can be prevented if simple hygiene and household rules are followed. Special attention should be paid to the quality of drinking water if it comes from private wells or intakes, which are often contaminated after heavy rains and floods.

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Owners of individual sources are advised to conduct annual laboratory tests and disinfect their facilities in a timely manner. At the same time, drinking water from centralized systems in Kyiv is under constant laboratory control, but in case of emergency situations, it is recommended to boil it.

To protect the body in summer, specialists recommend adhering to the following requirements:

• buy products only from official trade establishments and be sure to check expiration dates;
• do not consume dishes that have been left out of the refrigerator for a long time, and thoroughly wash vegetables, fruits, and berries;

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• wash hands constantly before preparing and eating food, after using the toilet, returning from outside, and after contact with raw products;
• seek immediate medical attention from a family doctor at the first symptoms of poisoning, and call an ambulance at 103 in case of severe condition.

Medical professionals urge to pay special attention to the health of young children, the elderly, and patients with chronic diseases, as these groups are most susceptible to infections and suffer from dehydration quickly.