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Stomach and intestinal diseases have reached alarming levels across several districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, driven by factors such as poor nutrition, contaminated water, extreme heat, and environmental pollution. Over the course of just one week, 34,701 cases of gastroenteritis and acute diarrhea were reported across various districts in the province.
According to the Health Department’s Integrated Disease Surveillance Report, covering the period from August 26 to September 1, Peshawar recorded the highest number of cases, with 4,443 reported. Swat followed with 3,995 cases, and the Bajaur tribal district reported 2,556 cases. Dera Ismail Khan and Nowshera were also severely impacted, each reporting over 2,000 cases. Other affected districts included Shangla, with 1,654 cases; Malakand, with 1,412; Dera Ismail Khan, with 1,240; Haripur, with 1,127; Chitral Lower, with 1,114; and Abbottabad, with 1,103. The fewest cases, only 42, were recorded in the mountainous Orakzai tribal district.

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The report indicated that some patients were suffering from bloody diarrhea. Besides gastrointestinal issues, there has been a notable rise in vector-borne diseases and skin conditions, with 9,951 cases of skin infections and 8,019 cases of malaria and other mosquito-borne illnesses reported.

Respiratory diseases are also on the rise, with 5,802 cases reported this week. These included 3,636 cases of influenza, 1,324 of pneumonia, and 761 of typhoid. Dr. Shams Wazir, a gastroenterologist at Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar, explained that the combination of hot weather and ongoing rainfall is contributing to the surge in gastrointestinal diseases. He cited poor hygiene practices, consumption of low-quality beverages, and lack of access to clean drinking water as major contributing factors. Additionally, unsanitary public toilets and failure to wash hands before meals have led to a rise in viral gastroenteritis cases.

Dr. Wazir urged the public to be vigilant about nutrition, water safety, and personal hygiene, especially with schools reopening. He emphasized the importance of maintaining clean school restrooms to curb the spread of infections and warned against consuming food exposed to flies. He also highlighted the need for clean drinking water, particularly in flood-prone areas, to prevent further outbreaks.