Expert warns of waterborne diseases

Says stagnant water on roads and street can cause serious health issues

LAHORE: Experts have warned of outbreak of waterborne diseases since the street and roads are flooded with rainwater and the city is expected to receive more showers from Monday.

“The rain is already causing a great deal of inconvenience to the people and in order to avoid further inconveniences, people must take necessary precautionary steps to prevent diseases,” said Dr Arif Mehmood, who works at the Jinnah Hospital.



He added that after recent rains, the stagnant water could cause serious health issues. Several patients of cholera, acute watery diarrhoea, hepatitis A and E, gastroenteritis and malaria visited the hospital.

“The government must take initiative and clean the streets and localities. A number of people are visiting hospital with complaints of vomiting, diarrhoea and dysentery,” he said.



Dr Arif suggested that sanitary inspectors and lady health workers should create awareness among the community as public should be aware about the diseases one can catch after rains.

According to health department spokesman, the department has already issued a guideline for field staff and lady heath workers to create awareness on possible outbreaks of diseases. He said the field staff has been directed to monitor the situation closely.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, July 10^th, 2017.