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Dengue fever

Dengue Outbreak in Sindh: A Matter of Alarm

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A dengue outbreak appears to be unfolding in Sindh, particularly in Karachi and Hyderabad, with hospitals reporting a significant surge in cases. Official figures state that 819 cases have been reported, but hospital records suggest that this number is far higher, exceeding 12,000 in just six weeks. The discrepancy has raised concerns about the credibility of government data, with a senior Pakistan Medical Association official stating that their stats do not represent the ground reality.

Key Takeaways:

  • The actual number of dengue cases in Sindh, as per hospital records, exceeds 12,000 in just six weeks, far higher than the official figure of 819.
  • Three major Karachi hospitals and one public sector laboratory in Hyderabad recorded 2,972 and 9,075 dengue confirmed cases, respectively, from September 1 to October 14.
  • The situation is more serious than what official data depicts, with PMA-Sindh President Dr Bashir Ahmed Khaskheli stating that the ground reality is not represented in the official figures.
  • The government has not officially responded to the discrepancy in data, but Health Minister Dr Azra Pechuho has urged the public to take ownership of their neighborhoods and report any stagnant water.
  • Private and public sector hospitals contradict the official data on malaria cases, with over 1,800 cases reported in Karachi from September 1 to October 16.

Statistics:

  • Official figures report 579 dengue confirmed cases in Karachi division and 119 in Hyderabad district this year.
  • Hospital records suggest 2,972 dengue cases from September 1 to October 16 in Karachi.
  • The Diagnostic and Research Laboratory (DRL) of the Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS) and its branches recorded 9,075 dengue confirmed cases from September 1 to October 14.
  • Over 1,800 cases of malaria reported in Karachi from September 1 to October 16.
  • The official data shows 215,270 cases of malaria reported this year across Sindh, with the worst-affected cities being Jamshoro, Larkana, and Jacobabad.

Sources:

  • Dawn: "Dengue cases: 12,000 and still rising"
  • Pakistan Medical Association (PMA): Interview with Dr Bashir Ahmed Khaskheli
  • Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH): Interview with Dr Faisal Mahmood
  • Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS): Figures obtained from the Diagnostic and Research Laboratory (DRL) of LUMHS

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