As temperature soars, water-borne diseases rise

Unusually high number of patients visiting hospitals with heat-related complaints

ISLAMABAD: With the onset of summer and temperatures soaring, waterborne infections are on the rise rising in the capital.

This was disclosed by Professor Dr Ashraf Chaudhry while speaking to the media. He said that the sudden change in weather and the mercury skyrocketing, they had been receiving a number of cases of heat exhaustion, dehydration and fever.



However, the most common types of illnesses associated with increasing temperatures were vomiting and diarrhoea, he disclosed.

Poor hygiene and sanitary conditions along with consumption of dirty and contaminated drinking water and unhygienic food contributed to the spread of water-borne diseases, he highlighted.

He advised the public to take precautions so that they are not vulnerable to infection. If children show symptoms of diarrhoea, he urged parents to promptly administer oral rehydration solutions.

“If they fail to mitigate the symptoms, parents should immediately consult a doctor,” said Dr Faisal, another doctor



The doctors advised carrying an umbrella, wearing clothes which completely cover the body, avoid eating food from outside and exposure to the sun for long hours. Moreover, they advised carrying bottles of water to help children stay healthy in summer.

“Cut fruits during summer are a common source of food poisoning among children. Children also drink contaminated water which leads to diarrhoea.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 18^th, 2017.