Physicians appreciating measures by the city as well as provincial government for taking care of sanitation following three day rain-fall have advised masses to take due stock of possible post monsoon outbreak of ailments.
Dr Ahsan Junaid an ophthalmologist associated with a government health facility in suburbs of Karachi referred to cases of eye infections following spell of rains in the city.
"People of all age group but more often the children become easily prone to conjunctivitis," he said here on June 27. This, he said at times may not be avoided but intensity of condition and its further spread can be efficiently contained through proper care.
To a question, he said contaminated water is the cause of the eye infection, hence people must ensure that instance of sewage getting mingled into piped water is immediately reported to the concerned civic agency and arrangement are also made by them as citizens to get germ free water, through use of chlorine tablets or proper boiling of water.
The ophthalmologist clarified that isolation suggested for people with the eye infection is different from other diseases where patients are required to be quarantined.
"What I am suggesting is that towel and clothes used by person suffering from conjunctivitis must not used by another person, similarly the patient must not be allowed to move out in open for first one to two days," he elaborated.
Dr Ahsan Junaid said that since children are more commonly registered to suffer from conjunctivitis hence it is advisable that they are stopped to play from other kids for a few days time.
"Conjunctivitis is self limiting," he said in most categorical terms. Dr Junaid also strictly advised parents in particular and people in general not to administer rose water into the eyes as the preparation mainly comprising cortisone can be extremely hazardous - with possible chances of severely effecting eye sight.
The ophthalmologist said that red eyes, severe irritation with sticky discharge and inability to open eyes in lightened and airy environment are manifestations of conjunctivitis.
"Fortunately it gets healed on its own with little care," he said and urged masses that in case of disease or other-wise too not to take any risk and particularly ensure washing eyes with clean plain water. Eye drops recommended by qualified professionals can be administered, he said answering a question.
Along with the ophthalmologist general physicians as well as pediatricians also strongly urged citizens to be extremely cautious of consuming only potable water.
With regard to growing possibility of water pipelines and sewer getting clogged causing mingling of contaminated water into clean water, they said consequent chances of cholera, gastro-enteritis, diarrhea among young children can be prevented through proper boiling of water used for drinking purpose.
Dr Azam Ismail in this regard also advised masses to ensure washing of drinking water containers prior to each re-fill, again with adequately boiled water. To a question he said these containers and bottle must be necessarily kept covered.
Pediatrician, Ayesha Mehnaz advised mothers to ensure proper washing and sterilisation of feeding utensils used for babies, who generally have low resistance.
"Mothers need to realise that breast-feeding provided their children a natural as well as strong immunity against wide range of infections," she said. All doctors also urged the masses not to allow water standing at any spot within their residential premises as well as in front of their homes or in their lanes to avoid outbreak of malaria. "Spraying kerosene oil on standing water can eradicate breeding points for mosquitoes," Dr Azfar Alam said.
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