Karachi sees spike in diarrhoea cases amid rising temperatures

KARACHI: A sharp increase in diarrhoea cases has been reported in Karachi as temperatures continue to rise, with children being the most affected.

Dr Waseem Jamalvi, President of the Pakistan Pediatric Association Sindh, stated that dozens of patients are arriving at government hospitals daily. He attributed the surge to contaminated water and substandard food, warning that severe dehydration caused by diarrhoea can be life-threatening.

To reduce health risks, Dr Jamalvi advised residents to consume boiled water and maintain proper hygiene.

Hospitals Prepare for Rising Cases
With a 10-20% increase in diarrhoea patients due to the heat, special wards have been set up in public hospitals to accommodate those affected.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecasted that heatwave conditions will persist throughout the week, urging the public—especially children, women, and the elderly—to take precautions.

Authorities recommend avoiding direct sunlight and staying hydrated to minimize health risks during the extreme weather.