Cold wave triggers surge in illnesses

Flu outbreak hits Malakand division hard

PESHAWAR:

The onset of severe cold weather has triggered a concerning surge in seasonal flu and respiratory diseases across seven districts of Malakand Division in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

An official from the health department told The Express Tribune that nearly 70% of patients seeking medical attention in public sector hospitals are grappling with pneumonia and various flu strains. This alarming trend has prompted the health department to issue a call for precautionary measures among the local population, as individuals of all age groups are being equally affected.

The Medical Superintendent of District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ) in Wari confirmed the situation, attributing the rise in seasonal flu to the prevailing dry and cold weather. He stressed the significance of parental care for both young children and the elderly in these conditions.

The cold and dry weather has extended its grip to non-mountainous districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, leading to a rapid escalation of respiratory diseases.

The Meteorological Office predicts predominantly dry and cold weather for the next month, followed by anticipated medium rainfall in certain areas of the province. Despite the harsh winter conditions prevailing throughout the province, the absence of rain has contributed to an increase in respiratory ailments.

Weather experts express concern over the scarcity of rain in November, a month typically marked by winter rains in Peshawar and other regions, as well as snowfall in mountainous areas. The anticipated lack of rainfall in December raises fears of dust and pollution contributing to respiratory diseases.

Read Winter drought fuels respiratory woes

It’s noteworthy that Upper and Lower Chitral districts experienced heavy rainfall in urban areas and the first snowfall of the season in mountainous regions, including the picturesque Kelash Valley earlier this month. These occurrences underscore the tangible impacts of climate change in the region.

In contrast, Director General Health Services, Dr. Shaukat Ali, highlighted a significant reduction in pneumonia cases through enhanced integrated disease surveillance. Comparing this year to the previous one, pneumonia diagnoses in children under the age of five decreased from 127,000 to 93,000 in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

Dr. Shaukat Ali attributed this positive trend to the successful implementation of an improved integrated disease surveillance and response system across all districts of the province.

He urged parents to remain vigilant during the intensified cold weather, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding children to prevent an increased susceptibility to pneumonia.

Efforts are underway to further strengthen the preparedness and capacity of the health system. The health department is actively engaged in raising awareness among the public regarding preventive measures. These include maintaining warmth through appropriate clothing, avoiding exposure to harsh weather conditions, and ensuring proper ventilation in enclosed spaces.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 21^st, 2023.