KARACHI: The dengue outbreak in Sindh has taken an alarming turn, with four more people losing their lives in the past 24 hours, pushing the provincial death toll to 20. Health authorities have also reported over 1,200 new infections in a single day, signaling a sharp rise in cases across multiple districts.
According to the Sindh Health Department, the majority of recent fatalities were reported from Hyderabad, Tando Muhammad Khan, Korangi, Malir, Karachi East and West, while the latest deaths occurred in Hyderabad, Tando Allahyar and Keamari. Officials confirmed that each death was reviewed by hospital committees before being classified as dengue-related.
Health Secretary Rehan Baloch revealed that some victims were already suffering from underlying conditions, which worsened their response to the dengue virus. He added that a mutated viral strain may be contributing to the sudden spike in severe cases.
Public health experts are sounding the alarm over poor sanitation, stagnant water, and weak mosquito control measures, which have provided ideal breeding conditions for the dengue-carrying Aedes aegypti mosquito. Despite repeated fumigation drives and awareness campaigns, many areas remain at high risk due to clogged drains and post-monsoon puddles.
Hospitals in Karachi and Hyderabad are struggling to manage the surge in patients, with dedicated dengue wards nearing capacity. Doctors have urged citizens to avoid self-medication, especially painkillers like ibuprofen or aspirin, which can worsen bleeding and platelet loss in dengue patients. They also stressed the importance of hydration, early testing, and prompt medical care to prevent complications.
As temperatures begin to drop, experts warn that the next few weeks will be crucial. Health officials are appealing to the public to eliminate stagnant water, use mosquito repellents, and cover water containers to help contain the outbreak before it escalates further.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.