M. Waqar Bhatti
Islamabad: Despite hundreds of cases being reported across Pakistan, Islamabad had remained untouched by Chikungunya—until now. The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Wednesday confirmed the first case of this viral illness in a 35-year-old woman from Tarlai, an area on the outskirts of the capital.
Dr. Nasim Akhtar, Head of Infectious Diseases at PIMS, informed The News on Tuesday that this is the first known Chikungunya case in Islamabad, identified through a PCR test. “This is likely the first confirmed case of Chikungunya in Islamabad,” Dr. Akhtar said, explaining that PIMS confirmed the diagnosis after the patient exhibited typical symptoms.
In contrast, the National Institute of Health (NIH) and Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Health Department appeared uninformed. NIH officials stated they had not received any Chikungunya samples from any health facility in Islamabad, and the District Health Officer (DHO) also indicated he was unaware of the case.
This lack of coordination highlights a gap in Islamabad’s infectious disease tracking and reporting systems, which is critical as mosquito-borne diseases like Chikungunya and dengue rise in urban areas.
Chikungunya, transmitted by the Aedes mosquito—the same vector responsible for dengue—has been circulating in Pakistan for years, with periodic outbreaks reported in Karachi and other southern areas. However, its spread to Islamabad signifies an alarming expansion.
Unlike dengue, Chikungunya doesn’t often result in fatalities, but it causes severe joint pain, swelling, and inflammation, which can last weeks or even months.
Dr. Aziz Dhiloo, an infectious disease expert at Civil Hospital Karachi, explained, “While Chikungunya is rarely life-threatening, it causes severe joint pain, which can be debilitating. In some cases, patients may develop rheumatoid arthritis-like symptoms after infection.” Patients with Chikungunya typically experience an abrupt onset of severe joint pain, joint swelling, restricted movement, and fever.
Dr. Dhiloo emphasized that most cases don’t require hospitalization. “Treatment is largely symptomatic. Patients should rest, stay hydrated, and use paracetamol for fever and pain relief,” he added.
He noted that Chikungunya is often diagnosed clinically by ruling out other diseases like dengue through the NS1 antigen test and excluding malaria. This approach, he stated, is especially practical given that PCR testing for Chikungunya is costly and not routinely conducted in Pakistan.
Local health facilities, both public and private, have reported suspected Chikungunya cases but often don’t pursue PCR testing due to its expense. This creates a challenge in tracking the virus accurately. “Given the presence of Aedes mosquitoes in Islamabad, it’s unsurprising if Chikungunya is now being reported here,” said a public health official.
But due to limited testing, cases often go undiagnosed, leaving health officials in the dark about the true extent of the spread.
According to Dr. Akhtar, PIMS had to conduct a PCR test to confirm the virus as part of their protocol for suspected cases, underlining that public awareness of Chikungunya’s symptoms and preventive measures is vital.
The presence of Aedes mosquitoes in Islamabad indicates that both Chikungunya and dengue could continue to impact urban centers as mosquito populations thrive. With no vaccine for Chikungunya, public health experts stress the importance of preventive strategies, like controlling mosquito breeding sites and using insect repellents.
“The public must be aware of the risks posed by mosquito-borne diseases and take preventive steps,” urged Dr. Dhiloo. He also warned that the disease could significantly impact the quality of life for older adults and those in their 30s, who may experience chronic pain and mobility issues following an infection.
The response from health authorities highlights significant coordination gaps. Although the ICT Health Department claims to be aware of infectious disease trends, no formal communication had been made regarding the Chikungunya case.
Experts suggest this lack of coordination hampers swift public health responses and increases the risk of outbreaks going undetected. To address these gaps, Dr. Dhiloo advocates for enhanced data-sharing mechanisms between health facilities, especially for cases confirmed by advanced testing.
As Islamabad faces its first confirmed Chikungunya case, health authorities emphasize the need for vigilance. Preventive measures and timely medical consultations are critical to limiting the disease’s spread and impact on residents. Public health officials are urging Islamabad residents to be proactive in adopting mosquito control practices in their homes and neighborhoods.
Ends