Karachi Faces Surge in Mosquito-Borne Diseases as Winter Approaches

Health facilities in Karachi report a rise in mosquito-borne diseases like chikungunya and dengue. Experts warn of further spikes with winter's onset, stressing the need for vector-control measures. Hospitals observe an increase in patient visits, reflecting a pressing public health concern.

Health facilities in Karachi have reported a surge in cases of mosquito-borne diseases, including chikungunya and dengue, according to Dawn. Experts caution that the number of such cases is expected to increase further with the arrival of winter. They emphasize the necessity of vector-control measures to combat mosquito breeding grounds and other disease sources.

Dr. Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK) officials revealed a marked uptick in emergency and outpatient department visits for chikungunya, dengue, malaria, and viral fever. Imran Sarwar G Sheikh, the head of CHK's emergency department, remarked, 'We are seeing a combination of these patients, with chikungunya cases being slightly more prevalent.'

On average, around 50 patients with chikungunya and dengue report to CHK's emergency department daily, according to Dawn. Sheikh attributed the rise in chikungunya cases to stagnant water following recent rains. He added, 'We also receive approximately a dozen malaria cases and a notable number of viral fever cases daily.'

Senior general physician Altaf Hussain Khatri reported that about 80% of his daily patients exhibit chikungunya symptoms. 'The diagnostic test costs around PKR 4,000, which most patients can't afford. Thus, we rely on the patient's signs, symptoms, and medical history for diagnosis. We also conduct a CBC test to understand the disease pattern and guide treatment,' Khatri explained. He noted that positive chikungunya cases emerged at his clinic around a month ago.

Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre officials acknowledged the rise in mosquito-borne illnesses but couldn't provide specific data, Dawn reported. Abdul Ghafoor Shoro, a senior general physician in Shirin Jinnah Colony, observed an increase in viral fever cases with flu-like symptoms, followed by suspected chikungunya and dengue cases.

'Many patients avoid laboratory tests due to financial constraints, so we can't be entirely sure about the viral illness they have. In some cases, it could be Covid,' Shoro noted. He added that symptomatic treatment typically leads to recovery within five to seven days, with some patients advised to undergo CBC tests and chest X-rays. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)