KABUL (SW) – Officials at the Antani Hospital in Kabul city report a surge in heat-related illnesses.
As temperatures rise in Kabul and several other provinces in Afghanistan, diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid fever, fever, cough, and jaundice have increased, leading many patients to seek treatment at hospitals and clinics.
Ehsanullah Hakimi, a specialist doctor at the Antani hospital, says that more than 300 patients are visiting the hospital daily, primarily due to the high temperatures.
“We see over 300 patients a day, mostly due to the heat that they have allergies, cold, false fever, or muscle pain. There’s also a significant increase in cases of diarrhea and vomiting,” he said.
Companions and caregivers of the patients suffering from diarrhea, fever, cough, and jaundice in recent days, attribute these conditions to the intense heat.
Shirzoi, one of these individuals at the Antani hospital, said, “We brought our patient here last night; he has diarrhea and vomiting, and the doctors say it’s typhoid with jaundice. He is currently hospitalized.”
Bashir Ahmad, another caregiver at the hospital, added, “It has been two days since we brought our patient. She has bloody diarrhea due to the heat, which wasn’t a problem before.”
Doctors advise that anyone experiencing symptoms such as headaches, weakness, nausea, dizziness, and diarrhea, must immediately seek medical attention and treatment. Samiullah, a doctor at the Antani hospital, recommends that “people must avoid fried foods, stay hydrated, and keep themselves out of the sun to prevent heat-related illnesses”.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently issued a statement warning about rising global temperatures, urging people to avoid extreme heat and refrain from strenuous activities during hot weather.
WHO also recommends drinking plenty of cold water, wearing sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats, taking cold showers, and dressing in light and clothing comfortable to prevent heatstroke.