Deadly jaundice claims man’s life in Rahim Yar Khan

Jaundice epidemic hit Rahim Yar Khan in May this year and has led to the deaths of more than 100 people


Our Correspondent November 13, 2018
Rahim Yar Khan has been badly affected with jaundice that has claimed lives of several people in 2018. PHOTO: FILE PHOTO: FILE

RAHIM YAR KHAN:  

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

Doctors at the health facility said that 47-year-old Lal Mehmood, a resident of Basti Luqman, was suffering from jaundice and was admitted to the hospital for treatment. However, he could not survive and died at the health facility.

The current situation has raised concerns among people regarding government’s negligent attitude. They demanded of the authorities to provide free jaundice vaccination to patients in the district.

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.

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.

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