KARACHI, May 25: Sindh Health Minister Shabbir Ahmed Qaimkhani has advised people to consume boiled water and avoid consuming stale food as gastroenteritis had spread up to Hyderabad, Tando Mohammed Khan, Jacobabad and other areas due to contaminated water. He noted that children were particularly getting affected.

He also advised people to immediately report to hospital on finding symptoms of vomitting and motions.

The minister, however, directed EDO Health Dr Khalid Shaikh, and THOs of Malir and Lyari to ensure presence of doctors and paramedical staff at hospitals to meet any eventuality. No slackness be shown in the treatment of patients, he ordered.

He said that directives had also been issued for carrying out lab test of water samples.

According to him, some 50-60 patients in Hyderabad and its surrounding areas were being admitted daily to government or private hospitals, but they were being provided treatment and discharged. “The situation is under control,” he added.

The minister said that there were also reports of the spread of gastroenteritis in certain parts of Karachi, including Agra Taj Colony and Moosa Lane in Lyari Town, and Malir, because of contaminated water consumption. However, the reports were not confirmed.

He pointed out that the Town Health Officer Malir, Dr Moosa Memon, had not confirmed such reports and as did the THO Lyari, Dr Agha Iqbal.—APP