Gastroenteritis and Cholera cases rise in Lahore
Gastroenteritis and cholera cases have started emerging in Lahore and surrounding areas, raising concerns about the quality of drinking water, food hygiene and sanitation in the city. Health officials have reported a significant number of patients suffering from gastrointestinal illnesses at basic health centres, dispensaries and district health units across Lahore.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Health Lahore, Dr Asif Niazi, said that gastroenteritis cases were being reported at basic health centres, dispensaries and district health units. According to him, approximately 7,000 people were affected by gastroenteritis during the month of July.
Dr Niazi further revealed that basic health centres were receiving an average of 271 gastroenteritis patients every day. He said that a significant proportion of those affected were children, with most patients falling between the ages of five and 10.
The increasing number of cases has also been observed at major teaching hospitals in Lahore. Senior Medical Officer Dr Mustafa Kamal said that patients suffering from gastroenteritis and cholera were being brought to teaching hospitals for treatment. He stated that Sir Ganga Ram Hospital was receiving between 150 and 200 such patients within a 24-hour period.
According to Dr Kamal, a high incidence of dysentery is one of the major symptoms associated with cholera. He added that cholera cases were also being reported in the emergency department and outpatient department of Mayo Hospital.
The health officials have linked the rise in gastrointestinal diseases to unsafe drinking water and unhygienic food. Senior Medical Officer Dr Kazim said that contaminated water was one of the major factors contributing to the spread of cholera and other gastrointestinal illnesses.
He also warned against consuming food sold by roadside vendors, saying that unhygienic food from carts and stalls could increase the risk of cholera and diarrhoea. According to the medical officer, ice sold in local markets could also be a potential source of contamination and may contribute to the spread of cholera and diarrhoea.
Health experts have repeatedly emphasized the importance of clean drinking water, proper sanitation and food hygiene in preventing waterborne diseases. Gastroenteritis can cause symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain and dehydration, while cholera can become particularly dangerous if severe dehydration is not treated promptly.
The situation is particularly concerning for children, who can become dehydrated quickly after repeated episodes of diarrhoea or vomiting. With most reported gastroenteritis patients reportedly between five and 10 years of age, health authorities and families may need to pay particular attention to children’s water and food consumption.
Residents have been advised to take precautions by drinking safe and properly treated water, maintaining hand hygiene and avoiding food and beverages prepared under unhygienic conditions. Particular caution may also be necessary when purchasing ice, as contaminated water used in its preparation can potentially transmit waterborne infections.
The rising number of cases has highlighted the need for improved monitoring of drinking-water sources, food outlets and roadside vendors in Lahore and its surrounding areas. Authorities may also need to strengthen public awareness campaigns about preventive measures and ensure that affected patients have timely access to medical treatment.
With thousands of cases reported in July and hospitals continuing to receive patients, health officials are closely monitoring the situation. Ensuring access to clean water and safe food remains essential to controlling the spread of gastroenteritis, cholera and other waterborne diseases across Lahore.
