Malir outbreak: Blood samples sent for investigation

Thousands suspected to be suffering from chikungunya virus


Our Correspondent December 19, 2016
PHOTO: ONLINE

KARACHI: The blood samples of five victims, suspected to have chikungunya virus, have been sent to the National Institute of Health, Islamabad, for investigation.

The step was taken following the emergence of reports that thousands of patients have been suffering from an unknown virus in District Malir and its adjoining areas.

Talking about the issue, Karachi health director Dr Waheed Panhwar directed the people to refrain from calling the virus chikungunya or any other virus. "It's premature to name the virus as chikungunya prior to the diagnosis of the dispatched blood samples," he remarked.

He said that experts are investigating the virus, which has enveloped Malir district and its adjoining areas. He was of the view that the name of virus can only be confirmed once the investigation has been completed.

Dr Panhwar also confirmed the number of patients visiting the hospitals is more than 3,000 with complaints of high grade fever and acute joint pain. However, a number of patients were discharged after getting first aid, he said, adding that some patients also complained of vomiting and were suffering from immense pain.

"No casualty has been reported yet, which is a good sign," he said. Many countries face such challenges but we are hopeful that we will tackle this challenge, he added.

Health Minister Dr Sikandar Mandhro visited on Monday Sindh Government Hospital in Saudabad, Malir, on the directions of the chief minister after the news of outbreak of suspected virus came into light.

Mandhro directed Dr Panhwar, the hospital's management and the managers of all the vertical programmes to investigate the case and submit the findings. He also advised them to formulate a strategy to counter the virus.

According to the hospital officials, the first case was reported in the beginning of December and the patients were diagnosed with chikungunya without the investigation of the blood samples.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 20th, 2016.

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