Experts say stagnant water attractive breeding spot for dengue mosquitoes

Karachi is facing a sharp rise in dengue cases as lack of awareness and stagnant water are the main causes of new cases because the standing water is the best breeding point for dengue larvae, experts noted.

A zoologist, author and dengue expert, Dr Syed Salahuddin Qadri said a lot of potholes in the city hold water due to lack of sanitation. They become breeding grounds for dengue viral career, notably Aedes aegypti species. “Avoid water accumulation from air conditioners, keep checking plants pots and even water bucket at the tyre puncture shop, where dengue mosquito lay eggs," said Qadri.

Speaking at a dengue awareness event held in Aisha Bawany Government College on Tuesday, Dr Qadri urged citizens to quickly wipe out the water on streets, homes and buildings. Ignoring this point is just like a call to life-threatening fever to our home, he warned.

Common symptoms

Dengue fever caused by dengue virus dubbed as DENV and all types – DENV-1 to DENV-4 strains – of virus have been confirmed in Pakistan.

Common symptoms include high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, nausea, and rashes; severe cases can cause Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) or Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS).

Dengue cases continue to climb across Sindh, with the provincial Health Department reporting a 12.6% increase during the first ten months of 2025 compared to the same period last year.

According to the latest health data, 2,428 dengue cases were recorded across the province by October last year, while 2,734 cases have been reported during the corresponding period this year.