ISLAMABAD: Following a recent outbreak in Karachi, a significant increase in XDR typhoid cases has now been reported in Islamabad as well.
Head of Infectious Diseases at PIMS Hospital, Professor Naseem Akhtar, stated that 60% of typhoid patients visiting PIMS Hospital are diagnosed with XDR typhoid. These patients are coming to Islamabad from Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and Kashmir.
Professor Naseem Akhtar emphasized that both adults and children are affected by XDR typhoid, and the cost of antibiotic treatment alone for a patient is more than one and a half lakh rupees. He further highlighted that third-generation antibiotic drugs are ineffective in treating XDR typhoid cases.
The spread of XDR typhoid is primarily attributed to contaminated water and food, along with the unnecessary and excessive use of antibiotics.
In light of the situation, Professor Naseem Akhtar urged the public to adopt precautionary measures, including consuming clean water and properly cooked food, to prevent XDR typhoid infection.
(Islamabad51-Newsdesk)
