Dengue fever claims another life in Karachi

Death toll due to the virus has now risen to 16


APP October 10, 2019
PHOTO: AFP

KARACHI: Dengue fever claimed yet another life on Wednesday. Kanwal, 28, a resident of Landhi, died due to complications caused by dengue bringing the number of dengue-related deaths in Karachi to 16.

According to Liaquat National Hospital spokesperson, Anjum Rizvi, the woman was brought to the emergency department of the hospital on Tuesday night in critical condition. Rizvi said that Kanwal was bleeding profusely and had an extremely low platelet count. "She was immediately shifted to the ICU and despite all possible efforts could not survive," added Rizvi.

Four more dengue cases confirmed in Quetta

An official of the Sindh Dengue Prevention and Control Programme said that dengue fever cases are being constantly reported from across the city. "There are, however, certain pockets registered to have a higher number of [dengue] cases and these are mainly those getting their water supply from sources other than regular piped water," said the official who is also a senior doctor with the Sindh health department.

Agreeing that the city is increasingly dependent on water tankers and other associated services, he said this has been repeatedly noted to be one of the major factors contributing to the outbreak of the disease. In response to another query, the official said that faulty infrastructure was also aggravating the situation and people with weak immunity were easily susceptible to the infection.

He appealed to the citizens to not leave puddles of water in their surroundings unattended.

WHO gives dengue testing kits in Pindi

Meanwhile, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre Executive Director Dr Seemi Jamali said that patients with high-grade fever were regularly visiting the hospital, however, it was only after examination that their status could be determined. Dengue positive patients with severe complications were admitted in the hospital, she said while stressing that a majority of them were treated at the out-patient department (OPD). Dengue fever could be managed through absolute care to counter dehydration and also protection against the mosquitos causing the spread of the virus, she added.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 10th, 2019.

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