Karachi: Dengue continues to tighten its grip on Sindh as four more patients, including three children, lost their lives in the last 24 hours, raising the death toll to 25 this year, officials said on Thursday.
According to the Sindh Health Department, two deaths were reported in Karachi and one each in Hyderabad and Badin. Those who died included a six year old boy from Matli in Badin, a three year old girl from Hyderabad, an eleven year old girl from Karachi Keamari and a thirty year old woman from Karachi South.
The latest situation report showed that 5,899 dengue tests were conducted across Sindh in the past 24 hours, of which 1,192 came back positive. Karachi Division recorded 642 cases out of 4,371 tests, while Hyderabad Division confirmed 550 cases from 1,528 tests.
Public hospitals admitted 109 new patients and private hospitals admitted 100 over the same period. A total of 439 patients are currently under treatment in public and private facilities across the province.
The cumulative number of dengue cases reported in Sindh this year has climbed to 10,502, with Karachi and Hyderabad remaining the most affected regions. Officials fear that the number of cases may continue to rise if preventive action and community participation remain weak.
Health experts warned that the ongoing weather conditions and poor sanitation in several urban localities provide a suitable environment for mosquito breeding. They urged immediate larval control, waste removal, and community level awareness to prevent a further spike in infections.
Experts advised citizens to ensure that no stagnant water remains in or around homes, rooftops, flower pots, tyres or water tanks. They also urged families to use mosquito repellents and nets, and dress children in full sleeved clothing, especially during early morning and evening hours when the Aedes mosquito is most active.
People with sudden high fever, body pain, vomiting, fatigue and pain behind the eyes were advised to seek medical care immediately and avoid self medication. Experts reminded that dengue is manageable with timely testing, proper care and hydration.
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