Two minors among four people die due to dengue in Sindh

KARACHI: The dengue situation in Sindh has further worsened as four more people, including a 16-month-old child, died from the virus during the past 24 hours, taking the year’s provincial dengue death toll to 20, officials said on Tuesday.

According to an abstract report issued by the Directorate General Health Services Sindh, the latest victims include a 12-year-old boy from Baldia Town, who passed away at Dr Ruth KM Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi, and a 57-year-old woman under treatment at a private hospital in the city. They also include a 16-month-old child admitted to the Liaquat University Hospital (LUH) in Hyderabad, and a 33-year-old man from Latifabad, Hyderabad. The two deaths were reported at the LUH. As per the report, 5,295 dengue tests were conducted across Sindh during the past 24 hours, of which 1,213 returned positive. Karachi recorded 591 positive cases from 3,721 tests, while Hyderabad reported 622 positive results from 1,574 tests.

Hospital admissions continued to rise, with 115 new dengue patients admitted to public hospitals and 128 to private hospitals across the province in a single day. A total of 456 patients are currently under treatment, including 217 at government facilities and 239 at private hospitals. Karachi has the highest number of admitted dengue patients, with 62 in public hospitals and 87 in private hospitals. The total number of confirmed dengue cases in the province this year has now reached 11,032, which includes 5,286 cases that have been reported in Karachi. Health Secretary Rehan Baloch said that the growing number of dengue patients is worrying, and stressed the need for preventive action at household and community levels. He said residents must ensure that no standing water is allowed to collect in and around homes so that mosquito breeding can be curbed. Public health experts said that current weather conditions are providing ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, and the virus might spread further if immediate steps are not taken. They advised that water tanks should be covered and cleaned regularly, and stagnant water in the streets, on roofs, in flowerpots, in unused tyres and in coolers should be removed without delay. Experts also encouraged households to cooperate with district administration teams during fumigation campaigns.

Doctors said that early recognition of dengue symptoms and timely treatment is essential to avoid complications. They said that common symptoms include sudden high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, extreme tiredness, and appearance of red spots or rashes on the skin. In severe cases, patients may experience bleeding from the gums or from the nose, or in their stools, which requires urgent medical attention. Medical specialists advised that anyone with suspected dengue should visit a government or private hospital for a test instead of self-medication. They recommended drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, and using only paracetamol for fever. They cautioned against the use of ibuprofen, aspirin and similar painkillers as these may increase the risk of bleeding. Experts also stressed taking preventive measures, including the use of mosquito nets, repellents and coils, especially in the evening and early morning, and wearing full sleeved clothing.