Mystery virus takes Karachi by storm

Health officials say vector borne disease tests negative for dengue, malaria, yet shows similar symptoms

KARACHI:

A mysterious disease similar to dengue fever is spreading fast in the city. The disease caused by mosquito bite tests negative for malaria, dengue and other vector borne diseases.

Patients, including adults as well as children, with dengue fever like symptoms such as headache and high fever, are coming to various public and private hospitals, healthcare experts said.

Infected patients undergo various tests to diagnose the mosquitoborne diseases including dengue, malaria, chikungunya and others with negative results. Medical experts have advised citizens to take precautionary measures against mosquitoes.

Talking to The Express Tribune, Dow University Hospital Head of Molecular Pathology Dr Saeed Khan said that cases of dengue virus are on the rise in cold weather.

After the monsoon rains, water stagnates in various places in which dengue mosquitoes breed rapidly and many diseases are spread by mosquitoes. Different types of viruses grow in mosquitoes and are transmitted to humans.

The top pathologist of city's largest state-run health facility confirmed that many cases were being reported with symptoms similar to dengue, but when the test for dengue fever diagnosis, NS1, was conducted, it returned negative.

Similarly, the results of PCR test for malaria also report negative. Many such cases were reported after which the medical practitioners became cautious.

"We are investigating this virus. Our Public Health Lab is in touch with National Institute of Health (NIH) in Islamabad. Their services are also being sought for research so that the mystery virus can be diagnosed early and we can take timely steps to prevent it," Dr Saeed said.

We have also collected several samples. It is important for us to research and identify what this disease is. According to the research done so far, we can say that it is a viral disease and to a large extent it can be called flavivirus which can be called a virus of dengue family

. Interestingly, just as dengue causes platelets to drop very rapidly and we need transfusions, so does platelets in this viral fever. Expressing satisfaction, he said that citizens need not panic. The disease is not as severe as dengue, and fortunately no deaths have been reported so far.

"We need to take precautions to prevent vector borne diseases like dengue, malaria, chikungunya and other diseases spread by mosquitoes," Dr Saeed said. He advised people to follow antidengue precautionary measures including ensuring at homes, keeping water vessels covered and drying out stagnant water.

People should wear full sleeves and trousers besides using mosquito repellent on open skin. The government should take effective measures to control mosquito breeding.

If the breeding of mosquitoes is reduced, then the increasing rate of diseases spread by them can also be controlled.