Jaundice claims four more lives in Rahim Yar Khan

Three admitted to hospital in critical condition

RAHIM YAR KHAN: At least four people died of jaundice on Monday after battling for their lives at Sheikh Zayed Hospital. The total number of casualties caused by the disease has exceeded 50, data collected by Express News revealed.

Doctors at Sheikh Zayed Hospital told Express News that seven patients, suffering from jaundice, were admitted to the health facility. However, the condition of four continued to deteriorate and they later died at the hospital.

The victims were identified as 35-year-old Shabana Bibi, a resident of Sadiqabad, 65-year-old Bilquees Bibi, a resident of Chak No 119, Khanpur resident Hafeezullah, 60, and 35-year-old Saeed Ahmed of Chak Abbas.

Other patients being provided treatment at the hospital were identified as 60-year-old Kundan Bibi, 70-year-old Faizul Hassan and 65-year-old Yousuf.



The doctors said that the condition of the patients was critical. They said efforts were being made to save their lives. Similarly, jaundice cases were also reported from Tehsil Headquarter Hospital Sadiqabad, Tehsil Headquarter Hospital Khanpur and Tehsil Headquarter Hospital Liaquatpur.

Rahim Yar Khan has been plagued with jaundice and the disease has claimed the lives of several people this year. Most of the victims included adults and children.

Meanwhile, data collected from Shiekh Zayed Hospital stated that more than 50 people have lost their lives since the epidemic hit the district.

They added that fears of more casualties cannot be ruled out. Health experts said arsenic contamination of underground water, reusing syringes and a lack of filtration plants are the leading causes in the spread of this potentially fatal disease.

They added raising awareness and concerted prevention measures could help overcome the outbreak.

When Express News collected and reviewed test reports from the district’s three rural health centres, two district headquarters hospitals and Shiekh Zayed Hospital, it transpired that 63% of the population had the disease.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 10^th, 2018.