Mosquito-Borne Diseases on the Rise in Karachi

Strategic Insights -

Cases of mosquito-borne diseases, including chikungunya and dengue, have surged at health facilities in Karachi, with experts warning that the numbers are likely to increase further with the onset of winter. According to officials at Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK), the number of patients reporting symptoms of chikungunya, dengue, malaria, and viral fever has increased significantly. Medical professionals stress the importance of vector-control measures to eliminate breeding grounds of mosquitoes and other disease-causing insects.

Key Takeaways:

  • The number of patients reporting at the Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK) has increased, with a majority of suspected cases being chikungunya, followed by dengue, malaria, and viral fever.
  • Dr Imran Sarwar G. Sheikh, the in-charge of the emergency department at the CHK, reported that around 50 patients of chikungunya and dengue daily report at the hospital's emergency department.
  • Senior general physician Dr Altaf Hussain Khatri stated that 80% of patients he examines daily present with symptoms of chikungunya, with a diagnostic test cost of Rs4,000 that many patients cannot afford.
  • Medical professionals rely on assessment of patient signs and symptoms, medical history, and CBC tests to determine treatment.
  • The Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre also confirmed the spike in mosquito-borne illnesses, although specific data was not provided.
  • Dr Abdul Ghafoor Shoro, a senior general physician, reported that the number of viral fever cases presenting with flu-like symptoms is higher, followed by suspected cases of chikungunya and dengue.

Statistics:

  • 50 patients of chikungunya and dengue report daily at the hospital's emergency department (reported by Dr Imran Sarwar G. Sheikh).
  • 8 out of 10 patients examined by Dr Altaf Hussain Khatri present with symptoms of chikungunya (reported by Dr Altaf Hussain Khatri).
  • The diagnostic test for chikungunya costs around Rs4,000 (reported by Dr Altaf Hussain Khatri).

Sources:

  • Officials at the Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK)
  • Dr Imran Sarwar G. Sheikh, in-charge of the emergency department at the CHK
  • Dr Altaf Hussain Khatri, senior general physician
  • Officials at the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre
  • Dr Abdul Ghafoor Shoro, senior general physician practicing in Shirin Jinnah Colony