Gastroenteritis outbreak

Throughout the year, the country experiences consecutive disease outbreaks that result in a number of fatalities. Diseases usually spike around Eid ul Azha and the monsoon season due to the absence of clean water and unhygienic practices. Over the last few days, hundreds of Karachiites have fallen sick as gastroenteritis cases rise in the city. Over 4,200 patients have visited the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi, and The Indus Hospital in less than a week. In Malir’s Sheedi Goth, many people have also contracted cholera.

Several patients reported consuming uncooked or contaminated meat and unboiled water. The healthcare department blames the contaminated water supply for the outbreak. The absence of potable water is a tale as old as time. Frequent water shortages across Karachi compel people to use whatever water is available to them. Gas and electricity outages further prevent them from filtering or boiling the water. The Sindh healthcare department has urged the local government to ensure the water supply chain is fit for consumption and has raised awareness in this regard.

Given the poor state of healthcare services and general disregard for public welfare, citizens must always undertake necessary precautions. With monsoon rains right around the corner, people should be urged to remain extra careful with their dietary and sanitary habits. Earlier, several citizens lost their lives to naegleria. Therefore, water tanks should be chlorinated. Municipal authorities should work with Karachi Water and Sewerage Board to resolve water supply issues and conduct regular water testing to ensure that the water is safe for consumption. Residents should be informed about hygienic sanitary practices to stifle the risks of diseases and avert the threat of fatal outbreaks that can potentially cripple the healthcare system.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 8^th, 2023.

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