RYK Jaundice epidemic claims one more life

Health experts stress need to raise awareness to prevent spread of disease

RAHIM YAR KHAN: A man died of jaundice on Monday after battling for his life at Sheikh Zayed Hospital. The total number of casualties caused by the disease has crossed 100, data collected by Express News revealed.

Doctors at Sheikh Zayed Hospital told Express News that two patients suffering from jaundice were admitted to the health facility. However, the condition of one of the patients continued to deteriorate and he later died at the hospital. The victim was identified as 50-year-old Shaukat Ali, a resident of Jinnah Park.

Other patient being provided treatment at the hospital was identified as 55-year-old Hamid Farooq, a resident of Gulshan Nasir area.

Rahim Yar Khan has been plagued with jaundice that has claimed lives of several people this year. Most 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 also fears of more casualties cannot be ruled out.

Health experts said that arsenic contamination of underground water, reusing syringes and a lack of filtration plants are leading causes in spreading this deadly disease.

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

The experts added that the core reason behind the rise of this contagion is the increase in the levels of arsenic in underground water.

They added that a second reason was the lack of filtration plants in 90% of the district, forcing the local population to consume arsenic water.

When Express News collected and reviewed test reports of 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.