PMA 'alarmed' at surge in infectious diseases

Health Dept confirms only 1,958 dengue and 172 chikungunya cases from across the province

KARACHI:

At least 18 cases of dengue fever were reported in the metropolis within 24 hours, according to the Sindh Health Department which surprisingly put this year's province-wide caseload at 1,958. The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA), however, noted an "alarming rise" in dengue, diphtheria, malaria, and chikungunya cases in the province.

According to a Health Department report, as many as 1,958 dengue cases have been reported in the province thus far. Out of these, 1,665 have been reported from Karachi alone. The breakdown shows District East reported the highest number of cases - that is 535; followed by Central District with 433 cases; North District 309 cases; Korangi District 120 cases; District West 93 cases; Keamari District 89 cases; and Malir District 86 cases. One person died from dengue in Central District.

Similarly, 246,002 malaria cases have been reported in Sindh so far this year. Out of these, 117,836 cases have been reported in Karachi alone, according to the Health Department report. The breakdown shows Malir District reported the most number of cases, 1,033, in Karachi; followed by Korangi District with 307 cases; District South 261 cases; District West 191 cases; District East 87 cases; District Central 70 cases, while there was not a single malaria case in Keamari District. No death has been reported from the disease, which is caused by mosquito-bite, across the province.

While chikungunya appears to have spread rapidly in the province, especially in Karachi, this year, the Health Department figures show 956 PCR tests have been conducted - and only 172 came out positive. Meanwhile, the PMA said it was deeply concerned at the "alarming rise" in cases of dengue, diphtheria, malaria, and chikungunya across the country, particularly in Sindh. "The recent surge in these infectious diseases poses a serious threat to public health, and we urge immediate action from the government and relevant authorities to address this critical situation," said PMA Secretary General Dr Abdul Ghafoor Shoro in a statement on Saturday.

The PMA is particularly concerned about the escalating number of dengue fever cases, which have been reported in several cities across Sindh. It called for proactive measures to control mosquito breeding to prevent further spread of the disease. "The resurgence of diphtheria cases, particularly in Sindh, is a cause for significant worry," Dr Shoro stated.