Monsoon triggers outbreak of waterborne diseases

As intermittent monsoon rains continue in the metropolitan city, doctors have warned that the mixing of sewage into drinking water lines in some neighbourhoods has led to a surge in cases of cholera and diarrhea.

While speaking to The Express Tribune, medical practitioners attribute a surge in waterborne illnesses in the megalopolis to the poor sewerage infrastructure, which has resulted in contamination of the drinking water supply.

According to statistics from major government hospitals in Karachi, there has been a visible spike in cases of cholera and diarrhea over the past few days. At JPMC, the number of daily cases of cholera and diarrhea has surged from 40-45 to 70-80. Similarly, Civil Hospital has reported an increase in cases from 4-5 per day to 20-22.

Dr Imran Sarwar, head of the Accidents and Emergency Department at Civil Hospital, confirmed that the rise in cases correlates with the contamination of water lines by sewage.

Dr Irfan Siddiqui, morning shift in-charge of the Accidents and Emergency Department at JPMC, said that the situation has worsened since the recent monsoon rains, which have exacerbated the issue of sewage mixing with water lines. The increase in cases has disproportionately affected children, adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Medical experts advise the public to consume only boiled water and avoid substandard food to reduce the risk of these waterborne diseases. They also stress the importance of vigilant care for children and the elderly during this period.