Rise in pneumonia cases reported among children in Karachi

Pneumonia cases among children are rising in Karachi, with hospitals reporting an increase in daily cases.

The head of emergencies at the National Institute of Child Health (NICH) told a local news channel that the hospital is witnessing around 30 cases of pneumonia daily, while Civil Hospital Karachi is recording 10 to 15 cases per day.

Dr Khalid Shafi, the Secretary-General of the Pakistan Paediatrics Association, reportedly said pneumonia cases typically spike in October, November, and December.

He also highlighted that while vaccines are available for certain types of pneumonia, the disease remains a significant threat, particularly for children under two and the elderly over 65.

Pneumonia symptoms include coughing up green, yellow, or red phlegm, fever, sweating, chills, difficulty breathing, and chest pain, especially when breathing deeply or coughing.

Dr Shafi added that over 70,000 deaths occur annually due to pneumonia in Pakistan, stressing the need for increased awareness and vaccination efforts.

Moreover, since last week, hospitals across Karachi and other parts of Sindh have reported a surge in patients suffering from mosquito-borne illnesses, including dengue, chikungunya, and malaria.

According to doctors, dengue and chikungunya cases have skyrocketed in Karachi, with malaria more prevalent in rural areas of Sindh.

Emergency rooms in major hospitals are filled with patients suffering from severe symptoms like high fever, joint pain, and low platelet counts, particularly in dengue cases.

Dr. Imran Sarwar, head of emergency services at Civil Hospital, noted that daily admissions of dengue, malaria, and chikungunya patients are increasing, with chikungunya cases rising faster this year.

Medical professionals have also reported platelet shortages as demand outstrips supply.

According to official figures, dengue cases have multiplied by around 135% during the first seven months of this year compared to 2023.

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, according to the statistics obtained last month.