Sindh records 267,000 cases of mosquito-borne illness

Cases of mosquito-borne illnesses are rapidly increasing across Sindh, with health authorities reporting over 267,000 cases from January to early November 2024, according to data from the Vector Borne Disease Directorate General Health Services.

In just the past two weeks, malaria cases have spiked, with over 17,000 reported across various cities in Sindh.

The data shows malaria as the most prevalent illness, with 265,021 cases, followed by dengue with 2,179 cases (including one fatality in Karachi), and 189 cases of chikungunya.

Hyderabad is the hardest-hit city, recording 126,584 malaria cases, followed by Larkana with 59,752 cases, and Mirpurkhas with 35,248.

Dr. Abdul Ghafoor Shoro of the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) attributed the surge in cases to the lack of fumigation efforts and poor preventive healthcare. He criticized the government for focusing mainly on a few tertiary care hospitals and neglecting primary healthcare needs. He emphasized that providing clean water and regular vector control measures could significantly reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.

Doctors are currently treating a growing number of patients with high fevers and severe joint pain, symptoms typical of chikungunya. However, reliable diagnostic testing is scarce, with only a few labs offering comprehensive testing at a cost of around Rs7,600, limiting accessibility for many residents.

Healthcare experts also warned that chikungunya-related joint pain can persist for months and recommended exercise and supplements while advising against frequent use of painkillers, as they can damage the kidneys.