Monsoon rains trigger disease outbreaks

Amid a worrying surge in eye infections, malaria, dengue, and snake bites brought on by relentless monsoon rains, health professionals warned of a looming public health crisis and strongly urged citizens to adopt strict safety measures without delay.

According to doctors and recent local news reports, the ongoing monsoon season has triggered a sharp rise in a range of health problems nationwide. General physicians from Chakwal, Buner, and other regions are reporting increased cases of eye infections, dengue, malaria, and snake bites— conditions commonly linked to stagnant water, poor sanitation, and greater human exposure to flooded or overgrown areas.

Physician Dr Imran Jadoon urged the public to take immediate precautionary steps, including using mosquito repellent, wearing protective clothing, avoiding contact with contaminated water, and seeking prompt medical attention if symptoms appear or in the event of a snake bite.

Dr Jadoon noted that conjunctivitis, or "pink eye", becomes more widespread during the monsoon due to high humidity and moisture levels, which provide ideal conditions for viruses and bacteria to thrive and spread.

He added that areas such as Buner, currently experiencing heavy rains, are likely to see a notable rise in cases.

Common symptoms include redness, itching, watery eyes, a gritty sensation, and discharge that can cause the eyelids to stick together, particularly after sleep. He advised maintaining good hygiene, avoiding eye contact with contaminated hands, using clean towels and personal items, and limiting close contact with infected individuals to prevent transmission.

Adding to this, Dr Qadeer observed that eye infections are particularly common among students and children during the monsoon, calling on schools and parents to remain alert and ensure proper sanitation and awareness to minimise outbreaks.

Meanwhile, Dr Javed reported an increase in snake bites and malaria cases during the season, attributing this to stagnant rainwater that serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes and increases the likelihood of human encounters with snakes. He stressed the importance of wearing protective clothing, eliminating standing water, and seeking urgent medical care in the event of snake bites or malaria symptoms.

Overall, health experts emphasise the vital importance of public awareness, good hygiene, and preventive action during the monsoon season. They urge communities to remain vigilant, adopt protective measures, and seek timely treatment to reduce the risk of infections, mosquito-borne illnesses, and snake bites.