Diarrhoea cases surge in Karachi as temperature climbs, warns paediatrician

KARACHI: President of Pakistan Pediatric Association Sindh Dr Waseem Jamalvi on Thursday said that the number of patients with diarrhoea has significantly increased in Karachi due to the port city's rising temperatures.

Dr Jamalvi told Geo News that every day, dozens of people with diarrhoea are brought to public hospitals. He emphasised that the current wave of the illness is affecting children the most.

He attributed the primary causes of diarrhoea to contaminated water and substandard food. Dr Jamalvi warned that severe dehydration due to diarrhoea can become life-threatening.

To mitigate the risk, Dr Jamalvi advised citizens to consume boiled water and wash their hands regularly.

Viewing the 10-20% increase in the diarrhoea patients in hot weather, special wards have been established at public hospitals to cater to the needs of such patients.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasted on Monday that heatwave conditions are expected to prevail throughout this week in the port city.

The general public, especially children, women and senior citizens, have been advised to take precautionary measures due to heatwave conditions. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight during the daytime and remain hydrated.