Infection Hazard - Dengue Fever

Health authorities in Sindh are grappling with a severe dengue outbreak as infection rates in Karachi and Hyderabad continue to rise sharply, far exceeding official figures. The provincial health department has reported 819 total cases so far this year; however, data obtained from major hospitals and laboratories suggests the real number may have surpassed 12,000 within just six weeks. Experts warn that this discrepancy highlights a deep gap between reported data and the ground reality.According to government records, Karachi and Hyderabad have reported 579 and 119 confirmed cases respectively. Yet, independent data from Indus Hospital, Liaquat National Hospital, and Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital indicates 2,972 dengue cases between September 1 and October 16 alone. Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre recorded another 1,062 cases since July, while Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS) laboratories in Hyderabad and Jamshoro reported over 9,000 confirmed cases in six weeks — signaling an alarming rise.Health experts have voiced concern over the reliability of official data. Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Sindh President Dr. Bashir Ahmed Khaskheli said government figures do not reflect the true situation, as data from private hospitals and clinics is largely ignored. Many patients, he added, avoid testing due to financial constraints, resulting in widespread underreporting. Infectious disease specialist Dr. Faisal Mahmood of Aga Khan University confirmed a rise in dengue cases, attributing it partly to post-monsoon conditions and stagnant water following heavy rains and floods.LUMHS Professor Dr. Imran Sheikh stated that dengue cases began emerging as early as June and July but were neglected until a major spike occurred in September. He warned that the trend shows no signs of slowing. Alongside dengue, malaria cases have also risen sharply, with 215,270 cases reported across Sindh this year. Jamshoro, Larkana, and Badin are among the worst-affected districts. In Karachi alone, hospitals documented over 1,800 malaria cases between September and mid-October, exceeding official counts.Health professionals blame ineffective fumigation and poor drainage systems for the uncontrolled mosquito breeding. PMA representative Dr. Mirza Ali Azhar said rainwater accumulation provides ideal conditions for mosquito larvae, while delayed cleanup operations worsen the situation. Dr. Khaskheli criticized the government’s failure to carry out consistent anti-dengue drives, noting that clogged drains, stagnant water, and heaps of garbage have become breeding hubs across urban centers.When contacted for clarification on data discrepancies, the health department provided no response. However, Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Pechuho urged citizens to maintain cleanliness in their neighborhoods and eliminate standing water. She assured that dengue prevention campaigns have been intensified, with daily fumigation across all divisions and hospitals instructed to provide immediate care for dengue patients. Health teams, she added, are closely monitoring suspected and confirmed cases while coordinating with district administrations to control the spread.