WHO Reports Cases in India, Pakistani Authorities Ignore Local Presence
Karachi: While the World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed 151 Zika virus disease (ZVD) cases in India throughout 2024, Pakistani health authorities have remained silent about the virus, despite evidence suggesting its circulation, at least in Karachi.
Experts warn that this lack of acknowledgment could allow the virus to spread undetected, putting public health at risk.
Last year, researchers from Aga Khan University (AKU) revealed that they had detected Zika virus in samples collected from Karachi in 2021 and 2022.
This discovery came after The News International first reported a mysterious illness that exhibited dengue-like symptoms but consistently tested negative for dengue. Despite these findings, neither the federal nor provincial health departments took any concrete steps to investigate or respond to the potential threat.
India Takes Action, Pakistan Remains Silent
India, in contrast, has been actively tracking and responding to Zika cases. WHO reported that Maharashtra State alone recorded 140 cases in 2024, the highest in recent years. Karnataka and Gujarat also confirmed cases, prompting Indian authorities to strengthen disease surveillance and vector control measures.
Pregnant women in affected areas have been placed under close monitoring due to the virus’s link to congenital disabilities, such as microcephaly.
Despite similar environmental conditions and the presence of Aedes mosquitoes—the primary carriers of Zika—Pakistan has not reported a single case. However, experts argue that this does not mean the virus is absent. Given its mostly asymptomatic nature or mild symptoms, Zika infections can easily go undetected or be misdiagnosed as dengue or chikungunya.
The Risks of Ignoring Zika
Zika virus was first identified in humans in the 1950s, and large outbreaks have since occurred in different parts of the world. The virus is mainly transmitted through mosquito bites, but it can also spread from mother to fetus, through sexual contact, blood transfusions, and possibly organ transplants.
Although most infections cause mild or no symptoms, the virus poses a significant risk to pregnant women, as it can lead to microcephaly and other congenital disabilities in newborns. Additionally, some infected individuals may develop neurological complications like Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS).
Experts fear that without proper testing and surveillance, Pakistan could already have undetected Zika cases. The country’s history of struggling with vector-borne diseases like dengue and chikungunya suggests that the virus could be silently spreading, particularly in urban centers with dense mosquito populations like Karachi and Lahore.
Call for Immediate Action
With the monsoon season approaching—when Aedes mosquito populations surge—public health specialists are urging authorities to take immediate steps to investigate Zika’s presence in Pakistan. This includes enhanced surveillance, public awareness campaigns, and ensuring diagnostic facilities can differentiate Zika from dengue and other viral infections.
The WHO has recommended that countries implement strong mosquito control programs and encourage precautions for pregnant women in high-risk areas. However, Pakistan’s lack of acknowledgment and action raises concerns about its preparedness to handle a potential outbreak.
While India is actively combating the virus, Pakistan’s silence could prove dangerous. Experts warn that ignoring Zika today may lead to a much bigger crisis tomorrow—one that the country may not be prepared to handle.
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