New health warning issued for Brits travelling to Turkey, here's what you need to know

Medical tourists making trips to Turkey are being warned about the potential dangers by the Foreign Office after an increase in serious illness thereover the last few years. The destination has become popular for people looking for cheaper alternatives to medical treatments in the UK with dental and cosmetic surgery being some of the most common procedures.

A travel warning has now been issued after it was reported a number of people have died following medical procedures whilst on holiday in Turkey. In addition to that, there has been a recent outbreak of botulism in the country, which can also have deadly consequences if left untreated.

Medical Tourism in Turkey

Brits have been flocking to Turkey for many years but since 2019 there has been an alarming number of people dying after receiving medical treatment with the Foreign Office stating they are aware of 22 British Nationals who have died since January 2019 following trips for medical procedures.

Cosmetic surgery, dental procedures and cardiac surgery are some of the most common procedures that medical tourists go there for due to the prices being so much lower than in the UK.

However, tourists are now being warned that doing so carries its own risks, as per Gov.uk:

The standard of medical facilities and available treatments vary widely around the world. As such, British nationals considering undertaking medical treatment in Turkey should carry out their own research; it is unwise to rely upon private companies that have a financial interest in arranging your medical treatment abroad.

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Botulism outbreak

In connection with the rise of the medical tourism industry, there has also been an increase in the number of reported cases of botulism. Many of these instances have been linked to weight loss treatments that were performed in Istanbul and Izmir in February earlier this year.

Botulism is caused by a toxin which attacks the nerves and causes difficulty breathing, muscle paralysis and, in severe cases, death. This toxin is made by Clostridium boulinum and sometimes Clostridium butyricum and Clostridium baratil bacteria.These bacteria can produce the toxin in food, wounds, and the intestines of infants, as per CDC.

Recent reports show that as of 11 March there have been 14 reported cases of clinical botulism following medical treatments performed in Turkey. The cases are believed to be the result of injecting the botulism neurotoxin. Of the 14 cases, 12 have been confirmed in Germany and the other two are in Austria and Switzerland. It is reported that 10 of the known cases all received treatment at the same clinic in Istanbul, as per My London.

The Foreign Office is urging UK citizens to bevigilant and research any medical provider you plan on using abroad. It is recommended you refer to the HealthTurkiye portal website for providers who are approved by the Ministry of Health.

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Sources used:

- My London 'Foreign Office issues urgent warning to people going to Turkey after recent spike in cases of worrying life-threatening illness'

- Gov.uk 'Foreign travel advice Turkey'

- CDC 'About Botulism'