KARACHI, April 15: With the onset of hot weather, medical experts fear spread of waterborne diseases in Karachi, especially its slums, due to supply of contaminated water, as cases of gastroenteritis are on the rise in the city.

Gastroenteritis is behind 0.7 million deaths, including 0.25 million children, in Pakistan each year, experts say, adding that the use of contaminated water is termed the chief cause of this disease.

Medical experts said that majority of Karachiites had to consume polluted water, which was why cases of waterborne diseases are on the rise. They urged people to take initiatives themselves and use only boiled water.

“Gastro patients report to hospitals of Karachi in the beginning of April each year. In June and July their cases hit peak level,” said Professor Inkisar Ali, Head of the Department of Child Health in Dow University of Health Sciences, and President of Child Health Association.

“Some 20 to 25 children, suffering from gastro, are reporting to hospitals daily and in children’s hospitals like National Institute of Child Health (NICH) this figure is about 30 to 35 daily. Many of these patients are discharged after giving basic treatment,” he said.

Dr Kaleem Butt, Medical Superintendent of Civil Hospital Karachi, said that there are many causes of water contamination such as mixing of chemical and industrial waste, and gutter water in lines of potable water.

Medical experts said that in summer people should use boiled water, and ORS should be used in case of loose motions. Breastfeeding is best way to save babies from such type of diseases, they said.

Last week, 78 children suffering from waterborne diseases were reported at NICH, 97 patients reported at JPMC, 86 at Civil Hospital, and 68 at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital.

Many patients are continuously reporting to private hospitals as well. In Aga Khan Hospital 13 patients, Chiniot Hospital 42 patients and in Liaquat National Hospital 24 patients reported during the last three days.

Majority of these patients belong to Landhi, Korangi, Orangi and Lyari. It may be recalled that two years ago 22 people had died due to use of contaminated water in different areas of Landhi.—PPI