What doctors recommend against XDR typhoid outbreak in Sindh?

KARACHI: Expressing worry over the rising number of extensively drug resistant (XDR) typhoid cases in Sindh, the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) on Thursday recommended the masses to adopt basic hygiene practices to avoid infection and illness.

The precautionary measures told by the PMA for adopting in a press release includes using boiled water for drinking, washing fruits, vegetables and utensils with boiled water before using them, washing hands with soap before eating and after using toilet and avoiding dine out and using unhealthy ice.

The press release warned Hakeem/ homeopaths and other health providers not to prescribe an antibiotic medicine.

“People should avoid self-medication and visit only qualified doctors, in case medical assistance is required. Hakeem/homeopaths and other health providers should not prescribe an antibiotic medicine,” said the press release.

It referred to media reports according to which the outbreak of XDR typhoid had so far affected more than 8,000 people in Sindh with most cases being reported from Karachi, followed by Hyderabad, Sanghar and adjoining districts.

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“The infection caused by bacterium Salmonella Typhi spreads through contaminated food and water. Its symptoms include high-grade fever, weakness, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, cough and loss of appetite,” the press release added.