2,500 patients of gastroenteritis, cholera admitted to PIMS

Islamabad

As many as 2,500 patients of gastroenteritis and cholera have been brought to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in last two weeks indicating spread of these diseases mainly due to use of contaminated water and unhygienic food.

The surge in the number of patients of these diseases has been witnessed due to change in the weather conditions and non-provision of clean-drinking water especially in rural areas of the federal capital.

Dr. Wasim Khawaja said the parents and care-takers have to ensure consumption of only adequately boiled water by children as well as adults and cooking of food  with due care for cleanliness of their hands and utensils.  He said some precautionary measures must be taken including boiling the water and storing it in a clean and covered container for domestic use; cooking food well (especially seafood), keeping it covered and eating it hot; and washing of clothes 30 meters (98 feet) away from drinking water sources.

"The number of patients suffering from cholera and gastro is multiplied in this season as rising temperature provides favorable conditions for bacteria and others germs to nourish in water pipelines and storage tanks," he said.  He said in most of the cases, beverages sold by vendors on streets are infected with bacteria or they are simply not hygienic so the people should abstain from using these items to avoid diseases.