Three more fall prey to jaundice in Rahim Yar Khan

Doctors say that fears of more casualties cannot be ruled out

RAHIM YAR KHAN:  

 

At least three people died of jaundice on Monday after battling for their lives at Sheikh Zayed Hospital during the past 24 hours. The total number of casualties caused by the disease has exceeded 100, data collected by Express News showed.

Doctors at the health facility said that three patients suffering from jaundice were admitted to the hospital. However, their condition deteriorated and they later died at the facility.

The victims were identified as 55-year-old Fiza Bibi, a resident of Khanpur, 46-year-old Allah Nawaz, and 55-year-old Bashir Ahmed of Sadiqabad.

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 include adults and children.

Meanwhile, data collected from Shiekh Zayed Hospital shows 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.

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

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