Jaundice claims three lives in Rahim Yar Khan

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

RAHIM YAR KHAN:  

 

At least three people died of jaundice in a span of two days after battling for their lives at Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Express News reported.

Doctors at the health facility said that 10 patients suffering from jaundice were admitted to the hospital. However, the condition of three of the patients continued to deteriorate and they later died at the facility. The victims were identified as 45-year-old Muhammad Ali, 35-year-old Muhammad Ramzan and 48-year-old Sakina Bibi.

Other patients being provided treatment at the hospital were identified as 60-year-old Bachal Mai, 37-year-old Khalid Hussain, 15-year-old Muhammad Adnan, 35-year-old Mehmood Ahmed, 50-year-old Taj Muhammad etc.

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

The 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 the white portions of the eyes turn yellow.

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

Experts pointed out that there are three types of janudice. The first is pre-hepatic jaundice in which people usually get infected as a result of a 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.