The Punjab Directorate-General Health Services has warned about a rise in waterborne diseases during the monsoon season. A notice regarding their prevention and control was sent to all district health offices on Friday.
This is the peak transmission season for waterborne diseases such as acute diarrhoea, cholera, gastroenteritis, hepatitis A and E and typhoid.
“District rapid response teams must stay alert for all kinds case responses and logistical support,” said the DG.
Waterborne diseases spread through contaminated water and food. Here are some prevention tips: Boil drinking water; Avoid eating food from roadside stalls; Dispose garbage in designated bins and dumpsters; Wash hands with soap and water before meals and after using the bathroom; Ask your government to provide safe public water supplies; Though they spread through the same route, each disease has different symptoms.
Symptoms of cholera include sudden watery diarrhoea (also known as rice water diarrhoea), dehydration and rapid heartbeat. It can be fatal if not treated early. Cholera is treated with ORS and intravenous fluid therapy.
Gastroenteritis also causes sudden watery diarrhoea but it’s usually self-limiting. Other symptoms include stomach pain or cramps, nausea, vomiting and low fever. ORS can help with the fluid loss and anti-emetic (vomiting) drugs can control vomiting and nausea.
