KARACHI, Jan 25: Karachiites have been advised by medical professionals to avoid consumption of un-boiled tap water, semi-cooked food and semi-ripe fruits to prevent outbreak of viral diseases and infections.

Talking to APP on Tuesday, the experts warned that the recent rain spell in the city could cause spread of varied diseases, including waterborne infections, in the backdrop of the fact that standing water on roadsides and lanes had maximum chances to seep into underground cracked waterlines.

They particularly warned of possible outbreak of Hepatitis A and D, which, though self limiting, could be fatal in acute instances and frequent recurrence, advising the people to consume water which was necessarily boiled for a minimum ten minutes.

Dr Khalid Knawka, a medical practitioner, particularly referred to the fact that back lanes, in most of the old localities of the city, were factually inundated by rain water, as parallel concrete roads were constructed at a higher level, hence there were all chances of dirty water creeping into potable water.

Moreover, almost non-existent rain drains, besides choked sewerage lines had further enhanced the possibility of polluting of potable water. He also feared outbreak of diarrhoea and other diseases, particularly among children, who frequently consume unhygienic edibles from roadside carts.

Dr Mushtaq Khaliq from Lyari, while referring to possible surge in the instances of already commonly observed episodes of cold and cough, urged masses to avoid direct exposure to cold weather.

He in this regard also advised people not to resort to unnecessary medication, that too without proper supervision, reminding that cold and flu were generally self limiting and consumption of liquids, particularly soup, tea and semi-solid simple diet was preferable.

Dr Majida Rahim, while endorsing her colleagues' views, urged Karachiites to ensure that kerosene oil or insecticides were promptly sprayed on stagnant water, so that they might not turn into breeding spots for different insects, particularly mosquitoes, enhancing chances of malaria. -APP