Waterborne disease: Cholera outbreak in Shangla affects 30

Pir Muhammad Shaheed Hospital asks DHQ for more medicines.

SHANGLA:

A fresh outbreak of cholera was reported from Alocha in Poran tehsil of Shangla district on Friday, with 30 people shifted to the hospital in the last three days.

At least four people have already died of cholera in Swabi and Kurram Agency earlier this week after infected floodwater contaminated watercourses.

Medical Superintendent (MS) of Pir Muhammad Shaheed Hospital in Shangla, Dr Mushtaq said the recent downpour in Poran Tehsil infected water in the area, as a result of which around 30 people with symptoms of cholera were admitted to the hospital. He added 13 of them are still being treated while the rest have been discharged following proper medical attention despite inadequate facilities.

“I sent a letter to District Headquarters Shangla requesting more medicines on Thursday. However, they (the medicines) haven’t reached yet and will hopefully arrive by Saturday morning,” said Dr Mushtaq.



He added they are presently relying on purified water and oral rehydration salts (ORS) which are readily available and can be used by patients at home.

Dr Mushtaq explained most patients are from remote areas and lack awareness. “They do not have access to proper healthcare facilities so medics should inform patients of possible prevention and precautions alongside treating them,” he added. “Lives of villagers and those living on high altitude areas can be saved if they are told how to take care of themselves in such scenarios.”



Dr Mushtaq informed most patients belonged to Salanday, Chagum and Sanila, adding in his letter he has requested vaccination teams be sent to the affected areas.

The doctor said he has also informed people to make public announcements in mosques to only drink boiled water.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 17^th, 2013.