Citizens warned to take precautions against viruses during rainy season

ISLAMABAD: Medical experts advised public to take precautions against Hepatitis A and E viruses during the rainy season due to the intake of contaminated food and water.

Specialist Dr Umair Qayyum talking to private news channel said, there is an urgent need to create awareness about Hepatitis, which is also called silent killer virus that can creep into the body from minor blood exposures.

He said that virus causing hepatitis A and E are found in water contaminated with faeces during monsoon season, and if someone drinks such water without boiling or distilling, one is likely to be infected with hepatitis.

“Virus transmits when an uninfected person consumes contaminated food or water. Therefore, one must be careful during monsoon. One must drink boiled water and eat foods washed in purified water,” cautions Dr.

“If a patient feels lazy and has yellow urine, then know that these are the symptoms of hepatitis. Some may also suffer from constipation or diarrhoea, and pain in joints. However, to find out the type of Hepatitis, tests are necessary,” the doctor mentioned.

To prevent oneself from acquiring hepatitis A and E viruses, one must take care of their health.

Dr points out, “One must consume water and foods that aren’t contaminated. Personal hygiene and sanitation must be maintained. One must be aware of his/her behavior.”

He adds that there has been an increase in the incidence of Hepatitis A among teenagers and adults with severe symptoms that are similar to other viral Hepatitis.

“Children and adults who have been previously vaccinated against Hepatitis A are practically at a very low risk of developing the infection. However, those who have not been vaccinated, people with poor hygiene and people living with an infected individual are at high risk of acquiring the Hepatitis A infection.”

If adults are infected with the Hepatitis A virus, the symptoms can be more serious, and the disease can have a fatal outcome, he warned.

“People must use anti-mosquito spray inside and outside their homes, while not allowing water to remain stagnant at homes,” he advises.

Hepatitis E similarly does not call for any treatment because there is none. Because the infection is often acute, it typically resolves on its own. People with this type of infection are often advised to get adequate rest, drink plenty of fluids, get enough nutrients, and avoid alcohol. However, pregnant women who develop this infection require close monitoring.–APP

 

Water shortage persists

in Adiala Road

 

RAWALPINDI: The residents of Adiala Road, Jahrahi Stop and adjacent areas have complained of acute water shortage.

“The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) did not ensure regular water supply to their areas even during Eid-ul-Azha days”, Rizwan Chatta, a resident of a locality adjacent to Adiala Road, claimed.

He was endorsed by Zahoor, Adalat, Rab Nawaz, Ghulam Abbas,Riaz, Fayyaz, Said Rasool, Ali Nawaz, Shakeel Ahmed, Sheikh Tasleem, Muhammad Javed, Muhammad Aslam, Muhammad Akram, Wasiq Razzak, and Sajjad.

Khan, another resident of Adiala Road, said, “We have to fetch water from far flung areas to meet our daily need.” They had to buy a water tank costing Rs 1,800 twice a week, which was unaffordable for them, he added.

Another resident of Ali Town Waheed Khan alleged that the tanker mafia was taking advantage of the situation and selling water at high prices.

Aziz Malik claimed that they had repeatedly lodged complaints with WASA, but in vain.–APP