Two fall prey to jaundice in Rahim Yar Khan

RAHIM YAR KHAN: At least two people, including a woman, died of jaundice on Thursday after battling for their lives at Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Express News reported.

Doctors at the health facility said that four patients suffering from jaundice were admitted in critical condition. However, two of them died during treatment.

The victims were identified as 45-year-old Rubina Bibi and 22-year-old Muhammad Imran.

The other patients being provided treatment were 20-year-old Malook Zadi and 40-year-old Faiz Bibi.

The epidemic hit Rahim Yar Khan earlier in May and has 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 can be triggered due to a blockage in the bile duct that prevents bilirubin from leaving the liver.

They said that apart from turning the skin and eyes yellow, brown or orange, some of the most common warning signs include dark colored urine, pale colored stool, belly aches, weight loss, fever, nausea, exhaustion etc.

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