Islamabad:With the monsoon season approaching, health experts on Sunday urged citizens to take preventive measures against a surge in waterborne, foodborne, and mosquito-borne diseases, warning that poor hygiene and unsafe food and water could lead to increased cases of diarrhea, typhoid, hepatitis, dengue, and malaria.
Speaking to APP, Islamabad Polyclinic Hospital Spokesperson Dr. Jabbar Bhutto advised residents to remain vigilant by maintaining strict food hygiene and avoiding stale, uncovered, or unhygienic food, particularly during the rainy season.
He emphasized that consuming freshly prepared and properly cooked meals is essential to prevent foodborne illnesses and cautioned people against eating from unhygienic roadside vendors.
Dr. Bhutto warned that contaminated drinking water becomes a major source of hepatitis, typhoid, and gastrointestinal infections during the monsoon. He recommended boiling water or using reliable filtration systems, especially in areas where water quality is uncertain.
He noted that hospitals typically witness a rise in cases of fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach infections during the rainy season due to poor sanitation and contaminated food. He urged people to seek prompt medical attention if symptoms persist instead of resorting to self-medication.
Meanwhile, specialist Dr. Nida Abbasi highlighted the increased risk of dengue, malaria, and other vector-borne diseases during the monsoon, particularly among children and the elderly, resulting in a heavier patient load at hospitals.
