Cases of diarrhea and vomiting, which have become more frequent among members of Turkey's Grand National Assembly (parliament), have spread throughout the capital, Ankara. Experts believe that the virus is spreading in hot weather through water and food, RIA Novosti reports, citing the newspaper Aydınlık.

Almost 80 people, including five MPs, have previously reported similar complaints to the Turkish parliament's hospital, NTV television reported. Specialists have taken food samples from canteens and water used to make tea, and experts from the health department are conducting tests in parliament.

“After cases of diarrhea and vomiting in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey last week, similar complaints spread throughout Ankara. Experts said that bacteria and viruses, which increase in hot weather, are transmitted through water and food, leading to an outbreak of the disease,” the publication wrote.

It is reported that the number of patients seeking treatment at hospitals and family medical centers in Ankara has increased significantly.

“Although it is claimed that the cause of the illness is water, the authorities have not yet made any clear statement,” the newspaper notes.