ISLAMABAD: Health experts have warned that unhygienic food and unsafe drinking water are contributing to a rise in hepatitis and stomach infections during the summer season, with children and pregnant women facing higher health risks.
Gastroenterologist Dr Abdullah Bin Khalid said contaminated food, poorly stored meals and unsafe water are major sources of Hepatitis A and E infections, particularly during hot weather when food spoils more quickly and waterborne diseases spread more easily.
Speaking to a local media channel on Sunday, Dr Khalid cautioned the public against eating stale, improperly preserved or unhygienic food, especially items sold in poorly maintained environments.
He said frozen food stored for long periods or handled without proper safety measures can increase the risk of foodborne infections, diarrhoea and other stomach-related illnesses.
Pregnant women and children at higher risk
Dr Khalid said Hepatitis A and E can spread through contaminated food and water, and pregnant women may face more serious complications if infected.
He urged families to use clean drinking water, eat freshly cooked meals and avoid food prepared or stored in unsafe conditions.
In cases of dehydration and diarrhoeal illness, he recommended the use of oral rehydration salts and zinc supplements, along with proper hydration and balanced nutrition.
Doctor urges hygiene and early treatment
Dr Khalid advised people to seek timely medical consultation instead of relying on self-medication, saying early diagnosis and treatment are important for managing hepatitis and other foodborne illnesses.
He also urged the public to follow basic hygiene practices, including regular handwashing, safe food storage and avoiding street food prepared in unhygienic conditions.
The doctor said preventive steps at the household level can significantly reduce the spread of Hepatitis A and E and other infections linked to contaminated food and water.
Schools urged to improve canteen safety
Dr Khalid called on parents and school administrations to ensure that canteens maintain proper cleanliness standards and serve freshly prepared meals to children.
He warned that negligence in food safety can have serious health consequences, particularly for children and pregnant women, and urged collective action to reduce the burden of summer-related stomach and liver diseases,
Today's E-Paper