Updated on
Summary
Water-borne diseases including gastro have been reported from a relief camp in Dera Ghazi Khan. Hundreds of new patients have been admitted to district hospital with complains of gastro. Currently, the greatest health concerns in flood-affected areas are water-borne diseases, which are made worse by poor hygiene and sanitation conditions. The other most common problems include skin infections, diarrhoea, and respiratory infections.Beds in the hospital and medicine present are not enough to cope with the existing health problems, and much more is needed.According to experts illnesses spread rapidly in camps, where people who have not been accommodated in school rooms sit out in the open verandas. The weather is humid, large numbers of people are cramped in small spaces and the food and water is often bad. Also, because of the weather, food rots quickly, resulting in food poisoning. Malnutrition is another concern and cause of illness, particular amongst children.At least 110 new patients were admitted to Mahtar area of the district Dera Ismail Khan with complains of similar water borne diseases.
