Hepatitis B warning for Turkey

Hepatitis B warning when traveling to Turkey. According to a Turkish study, seven percent of razors in traditional hair salons (barbers) are contaminated with the hepatitis B virus.

(25.04.2010) The professional association of German internists is currently warning against possible transmission of the hepatitis B virus in Turkey. According to a Turkish study, seven percent of traditional barber razors are contaminated with hepatitis B viruses. The reason: Often Turkish barbers clean razors after shaving only insufficiently and use the razors again. For example, Prof. Thomas Löscher from the Association of German Internists says: "In a recent Turkish study, almost seven percent of the razors used were contaminated with hepatitis B viruses." A visit to a Turkish barber should therefore be left out.

Hepatitis B is very common in Turkey. Critical regions should be the east and southeast of Turkey. There are about 12 to 15 percent of people infected with the dangerous virus. The entry ports of the virus are usually the smallest injuries of the skin or mucous membrane. The risk of infection in hepatitis B is one hundred times higher than in HIV, warns Löscher. In addition, the virus also in the manicure, foot care and the attachment of body jewelry (piercings and tattoos) transmitted. Again, the main reason is the lack of hygiene of the providers.

Two-thirds of all hepatitis B infections are asymptomatic. This means that only about one-third of those infected after one to six-month incubation experience classic hepatitis B symptoms, such as yellowing of the skin, sclerosis, dark urine, body aches, upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Hepatitis B can be more severe, leading to impaired blood clotting and damage to the brain. Chronic hepatitis B disease can be cirrhosis of the liver, then liver cancer (cancer). (Sb)

Image: Dietmar Meinert, Pixelio.de