SWAT: Diarrhea has assumed epidemic proportions as more than 2,000 cases have been reported in Swat and adjoining districts during the past nine days, officials confirmed.
On the other hand, the district administration has decided to ensure use of medical masks in the affected areas and clean water tanks providing drinking water to the local population. The health department has also asked the people to boil water be use to prevent spread of the disease.
According to health officials, more than 2,000 diarrhea patients have been brought to Saidu Teaching Hospital since July 11. To review the situation, an emergency meeting was held under the chairmanship of Swat Deputy Commissioner Junaid Khan in DC office Saidu sharif here on Wednesday.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Sohail Khan, MS Saidu Teaching Hospital Dr Zia Ullah, DO Health Dr Mohammad Saleem, officials of Public Health, TMAs and WSSC participated in the meeting.
On the occasion, Saidu Teaching Hospital MS Dr Zia Ullah informed the participants that since July 11, more than 2,000 patients of diarrhea had been brought to the hospital. He pointed out that among the patients, 43 were from Shangla district, four from Buner district and 13 patients from Kohistan district, adding that presently 76 diarrhea patients are under treatment in Saidu Teaching Hospital.
During the meeting, the Swat DC directed the officials to ensure cleanliness of water tanks with chlorine, adding that laboratory analysis of water should be carried out to assess cause of the disease. He said that medical compasses should be installed in the affected areas.
On this occasion, the medical experts appealed to the public to use boiled water and follow the rules of hygiene.
