KARACHI: A surge in gastrointestinal diseases has hit Karachi as soaring temperatures and high humidity take a toll on public health. Hospitals across the city are reporting a growing number of patients suffering from vomiting, diarrhoea, and suspected cases of cholera.
Health officials attribute the spike to the consumption of unhygienic food and contaminated water, made worse by improper storage in extreme heat. According to sources, the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) is seeing 50–60 patients daily with symptoms of food poisoning, while Civil Hospital is dealing with nearly 80 such cases every day.
Dr Imran Sarwar, Emergency In-charge at Civil Hospital, explained that many patients are severely dehydrated, with some experiencing electrolyte imbalances. “In this heat, food spoils quickly if not refrigerated. People unknowingly eat contaminated food, leading to serious illness,” he said.
He added that delayed medical care worsens the situation, with some patients requiring dialysis due to kidney complications.
Doctors recommend adopting preventive measures, including eating light meals like khichdi, yogurt, and bananas, and staying hydrated. Karachi residents are urged to keep oral rehydration salts (ORS) at home or use a homemade solution of salt and sugar in warm water when needed.
