Jaundice epidemic claims woman’s life

Health experts say jaundice could lead to liver failure if left untreated

RAHIM YAR KHAN:  

A woman died of jaundice on Monday after battling for her life at Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Express News revealed.

Doctors at the health facility said that five patients suffering from jaundice were admitted to the hospital for treatment. However, the condition of one of the patients continued to deteriorate and she later died at the hospital. The victim was identified as 65-year-old Sarwari Bibi, a resident of Khan Bela.

Other patients being provided treatment at the hospital were identified as 16-year-old Samina Bibi, 30-year-old Abida Bibi, 57-year-old Ghulam, and 50-year-old Barkat Ali.

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

Jaundice epidemic hit Rahim Yar Khan earlier in May and resulted in the deaths of more than 100 patients, including children. Currently, the entire district is plagued by the deadly disease. Hundreds succumb to the ailment each year and the government has failed to counter the situation effectively. Most government-run hospitals lack adequate facilities and medicines to treat such patients.

Earlier, health experts told Express News that jaundice is a disease in which bilirubin (a waste product produced when red blood cells stop working) flows in the blood. It affects the skin and white portions in the eyes turn yellow.

They added the disease is most widespread and frequent in newborns and elderly people.

Experts pointed out that there are three types of this syndrome. The first is pre-hepatic jaundice in which people usually get infected as a result of liver ailment or injury.

The second is hepatocellular jaundice which arises due to the breakdown of red blood cells called hemolysis. The third is obstructive jaundice which could trigger due to the blockage in the bile tube that thwarts bilirubin from leaving the liver.

They said that apart from turning the skin, predominantly eyes, yellow, brown or orange, some of the most common warning signs include dark-colored urine, pale-colored stool, belly ache, weight reduction, temperature, nausea, exhaustion etc.

Health experts said if left untreated, jaundice could lead to liver failure.