Pregnant Women are at Risk of Hepatitis E Infection in Flood-hit Areas

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by Seemab Chaudhary

29-09-2022
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Water-borne diseases in flood-hit areas of Pakistan increase the death rate of both women and children, as per the latest reports. The common water-borne diseases include typhoid, hepatitis E, and cholera. Luckily, Pakistan has a vaccine that can help to prevent these diseases.

Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan, Vice Chancellor, Health Service Academy (HAS), Islamabad shared on Tuesday, “One of the most dangerous threats for pregnant women in flood-hit areas. It is a water-borne endemic illness that can lead to many organ damages, such as foetal loss, mortality, and liver failure.”

According to a survey, around 4.2k and 1.28k women are expected to give birth in the coming months in flood-hit areas of Pakistan. Experts warned that water-borne diseases, like Hepatitis E viral infection, may affect women and also increase the risk of loss of babies or they can even themselves.

Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan said that “in addition to providing clean drinking water and food to people in the flood-hit areas, it is recommended that children and women be given vaccines to save them from Cholera, Hepatitis E, and Typhoid”.

The Hepatitis E vaccine in Pakistan introduced by representatives of pharmaceutical firm Ferozsons claimed that vaccines can help to save the lives of children and women in the flood-affected areas of Pakistan.

They warned that it may take up to six months to recede, raising the risk of the water-borne disease. Poor sanitation in those areas, not enough resources, and lack of safe drinking access may increase the risks of outbreaks.

But among all the outbreaks, the Hepatitis E outbreak is one of the most dangerous outbreaks that can affect pregnant women and may cause liver failure and become a life-threatening condition, said Dr. Najeeb Muhammad.