Jaundice, gastro epidemic claims two lives

Doctors say 24 more patients being provided treatment at health facility

RAHIM YAR KHAN: At least two more people died of jaundice and gastroenteritis, while 24 others, including nine minors, were admitted to Sheikh Zayed Hospital over the past 24 hours in Rahim Yar Khan.

The total number of casualties has crossed 70 since this latest outbreak, data collected by Express News revealed.

Health officials at Sheikh Zayed Hospital said that 72-year-old Shamim Akhtar and 70-year-old Qaim Chand were admitted to the health facility in critical condition after suffering from jaundice and gastro.



However, their condition continued to deteriorate and they later died at the hospital.

The bodies of the victims were handed over to their families after legal formalities. Meanwhile, 24 people infected with gastro and jaundice were also admitted to the health facility. The patients included nine minors. Those admitted to the hospital were identified as 21-year-old Asia Bibi, 47-year-old Zahida Bibi, seven-month-old Danish Ali, 25-year-old Kashif Ali, nine-year-old Amna Bibi and others.

The jaundice and gastro epidemics first hit Rahim Yar Khan earlier in May and resulted in the deaths of more than 70 patients, including children. Currently, the entire district is plagued by the two diseases.

Hundreds succumb to these ailments each year and the government has failed to counter the situation effectively. Most government-run hospitals lack adequate facilities and medicines to treat such patients.

Earlier, health experts told Express News that gastroenteritis and jaundice occur when bacteria cause an infection in the gut.

This results in inflammation in the stomach and intestines. They advised people to consume boiled water and wash their hands before eating meals.



They said the main reason behind digestive disorders was the consumption of substandard, spicy or junk food, coupled with the lack of exercise. They said most patients suffering from such ailments were children belonging to villages and their surrounding areas.

Health experts urged locals to check the quality of food before buying it from shops. They said using unhygienic or leftover food may cause severe stomach problems. They pointed out that eating dishes made with leftovers could be a major source of food poisoning, especially if reheated after being improperly stored.

The items which pose a threat include eggs, potatoes, rice, chicken, and mushrooms. They said leftovers cannot be kept for several days in the refrigerator as it may provide a breeding ground for bacteria.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 21^st, 2018.