Medical Experts Warn Of 5-10% Rise In Stomach Illnesses Amid Monsoon 'Hygiene Lapses

Mohammad Ali (@ChaudhryMAli88) Published July 16, 2025 | 02:10 PM

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Jul, 2025) Medical specialist Wednesday alarmed over rising stomach ailments during monsoon due to increase in flies and unhygienic food practices where cases rise by 5 to 10 percent, urging immediate public awareness and stricter hygiene measures to prevent further spread.

In an exclusive conversation with a local news channel, medical expert Dr. Irfan explained that a sharp increase in the number of flies around outdoor food vendors is a major reason behind the spike in stomach-related illnesses this monsoon season.

Dr. Irfan, a senior gastroenterologist at a Karachi Jinnah hospital said that poor food handling practices and the lack of proper waste disposal have created ideal breeding grounds for flies, which then contaminate food sold in open-air stalls.

"We are witnessing a 5 to 10% rise in gastrointestinal infections, especially among children and working adults who frequently consume street food," he noted.

He further warned that the situation could worsen if immediate steps are not taken by local authorities and food vendors.

“Flies are carriers of harmful bacteria and viruses, and during the monsoon, the risk multiplies due to stagnant water and rotting organic waste,” Dr. Irfan explained, emphasizing the need for better hygiene regulation and public awareness.

Dr. Irfan also urged citizens to be cautious while choosing where and what to eat, advising them to prefer freshly cooked, covered food and drink only safe, filtered water.

He appealed to civic bodies to conduct regular cleanliness drives near food stalls and ensure enforcement of basic hygiene standards to prevent a larger health crisis.

He added that in Karachi, a city-wide fly spray drive is expected to launch soon to curb the problem at its source.