Jaundice epidemic claims two more lives

Health experts say contaminated water leading cause of spread of disease

RAHIM YAR KHAN: At least two people died of jaundice after battling for their lives at Sheikh Zayed Hospital over the last 24 hours. The total number of casualties caused by the disease has exceeded 80, data collected by Express News revealed.

Doctors at Sheikh Zayed Hospital said that six patients, suffering from jaundice, were admitted to the health facility. However, the condition of two deteriorated and they later died.

The victims were identified as 80-year-old Shahreen Bibi, a resident of Sadiqabad and 55-year-old Khalid Mehboob, a resident of Gulshan-e-Iqbal.



Other patients being provided treatment at the hospital were identified as 50-year-old Maqsoodan Bibi, 55-year-old Nazeeran Bibi, 55-year-old Rasool Bakhsh and 65-year-old Saeed Ahmed.

The doctors said that the condition of the patients was critical and efforts were being made to save their lives.

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 different health facilities stated that more than 80 people have lost their lives since the epidemic hit the district.



Health experts said arsenic contamination of underground water 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.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 5^th, 2018.