British travellers heading to Turkey for weight loss surgery are being urged to not rely on private companies to source medical treatments following an outbreak of botulism. Almost 70 cases of the life-threatening condition have been linked to weight-loss injections administered in two private hospitals in Turkey.
According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), symptoms have ranged from mild to severe and several cases have been hospitalised. It adds that a number of patients have been admitted to intensive care units.
The Foreign Office says that tourists wishing to travel to Turkey for weight-loss treatments should refer to the HealthTurkiye portal website for medical providers who are approved by the Ministry of Health. Individuals considering travelling for treatment should discuss their plans carefully with their doctor, dentist and/or hospital specialist before committing to any procedure abroad.
