KARACHI, July 16: Medical professionals have strongly advised the public to strictly avoid consumption of un-boiled tap water, semi-cooked food and semi-ripe fruits to prevent outbreak of diseases. Talking to APP on Saturday, they said that while light showers in the city had led to a pleasant change yet it also held chances for various diseases including water borne infections.

That, they said, was in the backdrop of the fact that possible rains could lead to standing water on road sides and lanes with maximum possibility to seep into underground water and cracked water supply lines.

They particularly warned of possible outbreaks of hepatitis A and D, which though self-limiting could be fatal in acute instances and frequent recurrence.

Hence, it was essential that people without any distinction ensured that water was boiled for a minimum of 10 minutes in order to make it fit for human consumption.

Dr Khalid Knawka, a general practitioner (GP) running his clinic in the PECHS particularly referred to the fact that back lanes, in most of the old localities of the city, were inundated with rainwater as parallel concrete roads had emerged to be at a higher level. Hence, there were all chances of water creeping underneath.

Moreover, almost non-existent provision for rain drains and much choked sanitary lines further enhanced the possibility of these getting mixed up with parallel running supply lines meant to carry water for human consumption.

He also feared outbreak of diarrhoea and other diseases during monsoon season particularly among kids indulged in consuming edibles from roadside stalls and pushcarts.

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

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