DHO Abbottabad warns of increased risk of waterborne diseases during Monsoon season

ABBOTTABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Jun, 2026) District Health Officer (DHO) Abbottabad Dr. Shehzad Iqbal has warned that the consumption of contaminated water and substandard food during the monsoon season increases the risk of diarrhea, typhoid, hepatitis, fever and other infectious diseases, urging citizens to adopt preventive measures to safeguard their health and that of their families.

While talking to media, Dr. Iqbal highlighted the dangers of waterborne diseases, dengue fever, hepatitis and other seasonal epidemics that commonly emerge during the rainy season.

He advised the public to maintain proper hygiene and cleanliness and avoid self-medication in case of illness, stressing the importance of seeking timely treatment from qualified medical professionals. He said prevention was the most effective way to combat diseases and urged people not to ignore even minor symptoms.

The DHO said contaminated water and unsafe food were among the leading causes of disease outbreaks. He advised citizens to consume only boiled or clean drinking water, thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables before use and regularly wash their hands with soap before and after meals.

Referring to diarrhea management, Dr. Iqbal recommended the immediate use of Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) and increased intake of water and other fluids to prevent dehydration.

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He also urged residents to take precautionary measures against dengue fever by ensuring that water does not accumulate in homes, rooftops, courtyards and surrounding areas. Water storage containers should be kept covered and effective steps should be taken to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, he added.

Dr. Iqbal further advised people to avoid unhygienic food, consume fresh home-cooked meals, ensure the use of sterilized syringes and medical equipment and undergo timely screening for hepatitis.

Emphasizing the importance of immunization, he urged parents to complete their children's vaccination schedules on time, saying vaccines protect children from numerous life-threatening diseases.

Speaking about maternal and child health, the DHO said breast milk is the first and complete source of nutrition for infants. He advised mothers to initiate breastfeeding immediately after birth, continue exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and maintain breastfeeding up to two years of age.

During the live programme, Dr. Shehzad Iqbal also responded to callers' questions and appealed to the public to actively participate in disease prevention efforts to help curb the spread of illnesses during the monsoon season.