Over 750 Hospitalised in Astore Amid Cholera and Gastroenteritis Outbreak
At least 750 people have been hospitalised with cholera and gastroenteritis in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Astore district, authorities confirmed.
Astore District Health Officer, Dr. Nawab Ahmed Khan, told Dawn.com that these cases were reported over the past four days. Fortunately, 90% of patients are now under control.
Dr. Khan shared the intensity of the outbreak, saying, “I applied 60 drips to a single patient from morning until night. Several drips were also administered even after the patient left the hospital.”
The outbreak comes amid the monsoon season, which has caused severe flooding across Gilgit-Baltistan. The floods have led to a shortage of clean drinking water, increasing the risk of water-borne diseases. Hundreds of residents have been affected due to unsafe water sources.
Health officials are urging locals to take precautions, drink only boiled or treated water, and maintain proper hygiene to avoid infection.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are working to provide medical assistance and clean water to the affected communities.