The situation of dengue fever continues to worsen as the Health Department confirmed the deaths of four more patients on Tuesday.
According to the latest data released by the Health Department, a total of 20 people have so far died from dengue fever in the province, four of whom died in the past 24 hours, while over 1,200 new cases were reported in a single day.
Although the Health Department has confirmed 20 deaths, non governmental sources claim that the actual number of deaths in Karachi and Hyderabad is significantly higher.
According to official figures, 13 deaths were reported in Sindh during October, including 4 in Hyderabad, 1 in Tando Muhammad Khan, 1 in Korangi, 3 in Malir, 2 in East Karachi, and 2 in West Karachi.
In November so far, 7 patients have died from dengue, including 5 in Hyderabad, 1 in Tando Allahyar, and 1 death in Karachi’s Keamari district.
Provincial Health Secretary Rehan Baloch said in a clarification that many of these patients were already suffering from serious health conditions, which worsened their condition.
He added that all deaths were thoroughly reviewed by hospital committees, and dengue fever was declared the cause of death only after a complete assessment. He appealed to the public not to believe unverified news.
Rehan Baloch also stated that a new viral mutation has been reported internationally, which may cause an increase in disease severity in some cases. According to him, the dengue response cell is fully active, field operations are ongoing, and hospital capacity is being expanded.
However, health experts say that to control the current situation, urgent mosquito eradication campaigns and public awareness efforts are needed.
Experts noted that most complications arise due to self-medication and dehydration. Some medicines, such as painkillers and antibiotics, can lower platelet counts, increasing the risk of bleeding.
Dengue, a virus transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, has become a major public health issue in Sindh every year.
Experts say that the main reasons for the increase in dengue cases include a lack of anti-germ spraying and the failure to drain stagnant rainwater after the monsoon season.
In most patients, dengue symptoms are mild or not visible at all, and they recover within one to two weeks. Symptoms may include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, and skin rash or irritation.
