Jaundice epidemic claims 11 lives in three days in RY Khan

Reports reveal 63% population in Rahim Yar Khan is infected with disease


Noor Soomro September 24, 2018
PHOTO: REUTERS

RAHIM YAR KHAN: At least 11 people died of jaundice after battling for their lives at Sheikh Zayed Hospital during the past three days. The total number of casualties caused by the disease has exceeded 100, data collected by Express News revealed.

Doctors at Sheikh Zayed Hospital said that 11 patients, suffering from jaundice, were admitted to the health facility. However, their condition deteriorated and they later died at the health facility. The victims were identified as 80-year-old Nasreen Bibi, 35-year-old Asiya Bibi, 45-year-old Azra Bibi, 48-year-old Zahoor Hassan, 75-year-old Pathan Khan and others.

Gastro, jaundice epidemic kills three

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 100 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.

Three more die of gastro, jaundice

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

Earlier, 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, September 24th, 2018.

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