Appendix outbreak in GB’s Shimshal valley reaches alarming level

HUNZA/GILGIT: A surge in appendix cases in the remote village of Shimshal in Hunza district has reached an alarming level, affecting women, children, and men alike, and filling hospitals to capacity.

Authorities are yet to identify the exact cause of the outbreak, while fear and anxiety are spreading among the local population.

According to the Health Department, over 150 people have sought medical attention for the painful condition. Since September, more than 50 surgeries have been performed at the Aga Khan Health Centre, while over 100 patients have received treatment at the District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ) Hunza.

Dr Zafar Iqbal of DHQ Hospital said, “Women and children are also among those affected by appendix cases. Due to overcrowding at the DHQ, many patients are seeking treatment at private hospitals.”

He added, “Appendicitis can be caused by several factors, but so far, it is unclear why children and women in Shimshal are being affected.” Dr. Iqbal noted that “five to six patients visit the hospital daily with appendix complaints, and those requiring surgery are operated on immediately.”

A medical camp staffed by six doctors has been set up in the affected area to provide treatment and raise awareness about the disease’s symptoms.

Local resident Qasim Ali told Urdu News, “For the past two months, many residents have been suffering from appendix complaints, but the administration has yet to take serious measures to control the outbreak or investigate its causes.”

He said, “Appendicitis has now become an epidemic in Shimshal. Hospital beds are unavailable due to overcrowding, and the lack of proper facilities is adding to patients’ suffering.” He added, “The pain from appendicitis is a common symptom, but fear has made people hesitant to drink water, as they believe contaminated water is spreading the disease.”

The Hunza health department said that Shimshal has a population of over 6,000. Water samples have been collected from the area, and a special irrigation department team has also sent samples from various sources for testing. Officials said the exact cause will only be determined after the test results are received.

Meanwhile, in response to public complaints, the district administration and Food Department have intensified action against substandard food in local markets.