KARACHI, July 9: The Pakistan Medical Association has expressed its concern over the surge in water-borne and food-borne diseases, particularly gastroenteritis, in the province. Dr Habib R. Soomro, secretary-general, PMA – Centre, in a press statement here on Monday referring to official data said 81,059 people had fallen sick and nine died of gastroenteritis since April in Sindh.

He also mentioned that 11,929 gastroenteritis patients had to be hospitalised during the same period, adding that the figures quoted by him were those which were officially announced.

“Although un-official sources claim these to be only the tip of the ice-berg, the official figures themselves are quite alarming and need to be effectively countered,” the PMA official said.

He maintained that the incidence of various water-borne diseases, particularly gastroenteritis, could be attributed to bacteria which multiplied fast in hot and humid weather and enhanced risks for contamination.

Dr Soomro, however, in the same breath warned that gastroenteritis might spiral out of control due to the prevalent conditions in the city, including stagnant water left in the aftermath of the rains and possible seeping of it into water lines.Urging civic agencies to take due stock of the fact, he also advised the public to be extremely cautious about personal hygiene. He reminded people that according to the WHO, hand washing was one of the most effective and cheapest measures against gastroenteritis.—APP