Karachi Faces Cholera Outbreak Amidst Monsoon Season

News Desk 

Karachi: Karachi is grappling with a growing cholera outbreak, primarily due to sewage-contaminated water, local sources revealed on Sunday.

 Jinnah Hospital reports a sharp rise in cases, with 70 to 80 new cholera patients arriving daily. This marks a significant increase from the usual 30 to 40 cases per day.

The surge in cases is attributed to the recent monsoon rains, which have exacerbated the contamination of water sources. Medical experts warn of the potential for further spread if the situation is not addressed promptly.

In response, healthcare professionals urge the public to take precautionary measures. They advise avoiding substandard food and drinks, ensuring access to clean water, washing hands with soap regularly, and maintaining general cleanliness to help curb the spread of the disease.

The situation remains critical as Karachi continues to navigate the monsoon season, with concerns that cholera cases could rise further if proper hygiene and safety measures are not followed, medical experts said. 

To understand the reasons behind the spread of infectious diseases and how such outbreaks can be prevented, PenPK.com asked these and other relevant questions about the disease from a medical expert.

Here is the detailed interview with Dr Fazal Rabbi, Consultant Intensivist and Director at Alkhidmat Farzana Shah Nawaz Hospital, Alamabad Swabi

Q:Why do cholera outbreaks occur?

Dr Fazal Rabbi says Cholera outbreaks occur when the bacterium Vibrio cholerae infects individuals through contaminated food, water, or direct contact with an infected person’s feces. Contributing factors include poor sanitation, inadequate hygiene, and crowded living conditions.

Q: What preventive measures can public take to avoid cholera?

Dr Fazal Rabbi says to prevent cholera, it’s crucial to drink safe water—boiled or treated. Proper handwashing with soap is essential, as well as proper disposal of human waste. Avoid undercooked food and close contact with infected individuals. Vaccination with oral cholera vaccines is also recommended.

Q: What advice would you give to the public regarding cholera outbreaks?

Dr Fazal Rabbi advises to stay informed about ongoing outbreaks and adhere to proper hygiene practices. Avoid consuming contaminated food and water; make sure to use clean and safe facilities. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, or dehydration.

Q: What measures should be taken to control a cholera outbreak?

Dr Fazal Rabbi says to control an outbreak, it’s important to isolate suspected cases and implement strict infection control practices, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and masks. 

Providing appropriate treatment, such as fluid replacement and antibiotics, is vital. Ensuring proper disposal of patient waste and vaccinating healthcare workers are also crucial steps. Collaboration with public health authorities for effective outbreak management is necessary, he adds.