Water Borne Diseases Threat
News Kashmir Analysis
The recent rains which created a huge flood scare in Kashmir, and water was seen flowing in many areas, came at a time when the valley of Kashmir was grappling with rain deficit. On that front it is good news , however the ground reality show that how we have choked Wetlands and flood channels in name of development and construction can any time wreck havoc if large period of rain hits Kashmir and a heavy flooding hits .
The another main threat to which we need to remain cautious now in backdrop of these rains is the waterborne diseases .
After many days of rain, Directorate of Health Services Kashmir has issued an advisory over a possible outbreak of water borne diseases in the valley in view of incessant rains and flash floods .
In the said advisory, the DHSK has emphasized on hand hygiene and drinking boiled water. The DHSK also advised to wash the food storage containers regularly and chlorinate the tap water for decontamination. For rehydration, the DHSK has advised to use ORS, which can be also made at home by adding 8 tsf of sugar and 1 tsf table salt to a pre boiled litre of water.
Also, The DHSK has asked the CMOs across the valley to activate the Rapid Response Teams in the respective districts and gear up the CHOs for any eventuality.
In a further welcoming move, DHSK also asked the CMOs to lift water samples for testing at Public Health Labs under IDSP programme to ensure minimal occurrence of the disease outbreak.
The expert pulse is that we need to be cautious about Water borne diseases as
Waterborne diseases are conditions (meaning adverse effects on human health, such as death, disability, illness or disorders caused by pathogenic micro-organisms that are transmitted in water. These diseases can be spread while bathing, washing, drinking water, or by eating food exposed to contaminated water.
It is worth mentioning here Majority of water-borne diseases worldwide mainly affect children due to poor hygiene and weak immunity. Most of these diseases are life-threatening. The knowledge of the different types of water-borne diseases has come to the forefront with the advent of globalization over the past few decades. Several pathogenic microorganisms which were previously unknown, have become the focus of major research in this field.
About 844 million people lack even a basic drinking-water service. The hope on ground is that whole humanity fights the waterborne diseases rapidly.
