Diarrhea cases on the rise in Baghlan: health officials

PUL-I-KHUMRI (Pajhwok): Health officials in northern Baghlan province have noted with concern a spike in diarrhea cases, saying 2,200 patients have been brought to the main provincial hospital for treatment over the last two months.

Dr. Shah Mohammad Hofiani, in charge of the infectious disease control department, told Pajhwok Afghan News diarrhea cases had surged by 40 percent in Baghlan.

“In last two months, 2,200 diarrhea patients, including the elderly, children and women, had been brought to the provincial hospital for treatment.”

He linked the increasing diarrhea to drought, inadequate access to clean drinking water and contamination of water by recent floods in some areas.

Dr. Mohammad Ajmal Amani, head of the diarrhea control ward, told Pajhwok since the easing diarrhea incidence, they had taken some measures to treat patients in a better way.

He added 10 patients with diarrhea were currently visiting the hospital on a daily basis for treatment. Patients were hospitalised in case of need, he explained.

Zarmina, a resident of the Dand Ghori area of Baghlan whose 10-year-ild daughter is infected with diarrhea, recalled her child suddenly fell ill and getting infected with diarrhea.

“Last week, my son also got sick, but he recovered soon. My daughter’s condition has also improved and doctors had recommended her to wash her hands with soap several times a day.”

sa/mud