Mosquito-borne diseases spike amid rains

Dengue caseload surges by 135% in first seven months of 2024

KARACHI:

There has been a visible surge in mosquito-borne diseases, especially dengue and malaria, across Sindh due to inadequate drainage and poor sanitation, along with open water storage in homes, as monsoon rains continue to lash the province.

According to official figures, dengue cases have multiplied by around 135% during the first seven months of this year compared to 2023. However, the disease prevalence remains considerably lower than the year 2022.

As of now, Sindh has reported 1,167 dengue cases, with 1,022 of these in Karachi alone. Similarly, malaria cases have reached 149,102, with 1,074 reported in Karachi.

District East of the metropolitan city has reported the highest number of dengue cases at 329, while District Malir has the highest malaria count with 543 cases. Only one death has been attributed to dengue in Karachi so far this year, while no malaria-related fatalities have been reported in the province.

Experts attribute the increase in cases to ineffective drainage systems, open water storages in homes, and a lack of disinfectant spraying. Climate change is exacerbating mosquito proliferation, and a lack of public awareness is also a factor.

Medical experts recommend preventive measures such as using mosquito nets, avoiding stagnant water, wearing loose clothing, and applying mosquito repellent lotion. The government has been urged to implement effective measures immediately to control the spread of these diseases, especially with more rain forecasted by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).

Dr Faisal Javed, a general physician at JPMC, stated that they are handling 20 to 25 cases daily with dengue and malaria symptoms. Of these, 10 to 15 are confirmed cases. Although a significant drop in platelets has not yet been observed, more rainfall could potentially exasperate caseload. Municipal authorities claim to have implemented full germicidal spraying measures, but citizens complain that practical mosquito control efforts are lacking.

Dr Asad Ali, CEO of Hussaini Blood Bank, also referred to the seasonal risks of dengue, saying that September is an ideal month for mosquito breeding. "Emergency preparedness measures are in place starting from June, including the maintenance of platelet production kits and blood screening equipment, though platelets have a very short lifespan and cannot be stored in advance," he told The Express Tribune.

According to the Sindh Health Department figures, the total number of dengue cases in the province this year has reached 1,167, with Karachi confirming 1,022 cases. Similarly, 83 cases have been reported in Hyderabad, 34 in Mirpurkhas, 12 in Sukkur, and eight in both Larkana and Shaheed Benazirabad.

The breakdown of dengue cases in the metropolitan city shows District East leads with 329 cases, followed by District Central with 241 cases, District South 197 cases, District Korangi 86 cases, District Keamari 66 cases, District West 60 cases, and District Malir 43 cases.

Compared to last year, there were 440 dengue cases reported in Sindh from January to July. This year, the number has risen to 1,034, marking a 135% increase. However, this is still lower than the 23,274 cases recorded in 2022 due to flooding in interior Sindh.

The Sindh Health Department also reports 149,102 malaria cases across the province, with Karachi accounting for 1,074 cases. The highest number of malaria cases in Karachi is from District Malir with 543 cases. Moreover, 163 cases have been reported in District South, 90 in District West, 57 in District East, 62 in District Central, and 159 in Korangi District. No malaria cases have been confirmed in Keamari District this year, and there have been no reported deaths from malaria in the province.