KARACHI: Dengue fever remains a serious public health concern in the province despite the onset of winter as the mosquito-borne viral disease claimed three lives in five days with 441 new cases in less than two weeks, sources told Dawn.

Two deaths were reported in Karachi while one in Hyderabad.

The victims include a 44-year-old doctor of the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, a 23-year-old man whose death was reported at Liaquat University Hospital in Hyderabad and a five-year-old girl, resident of Karachi.

An analysis of the health department data showed that there was no significant drop in dengue cases since October.

There were 2,065 cases reported in October, 1,887 in November and 441 dengue cases this month till Dec 12. Four deaths were reported in November.

Five-year-old among three dead in five days

In Karachi, the districts which reported a high number of cases last month were district East with 327 cases, district Central 304 and district Korangi 247 cases.

In other parts of Sindh, Hyderabad reported 403 cases followed by Tharparkar 95 and Umerkot 43 last month.

Speaking to Dawn, health department spokesperson Atif Vighio admitted that the number of dengue cases had been consistent over the past two months.

“I think the reduction in cases is slow, particularly in Karachi. I think there will be a visible drop in cases as the city’s temperature drops further,” he said, insisting that the department did intervene on a case-to-case basis and had also initiated a public awareness drive on dengue fever threats.

Sudden drop in platelet level

“The virus has mutated over the years that explains why we are still seeing so many dengue fever cases despite change in the weather. Unfortunately, people are not taking this fever seriously,” said Dr Abdul Ghafoor Shoro, a senior general physician practicing in Korangi.

He pointed out that the illness was more severe now than before and needed immediate medical attention.

“Earlier, there had been a gradual drop in platelet level. But, now there is a sudden drop that endangers life. In a recent case, I saw platelet level in a patient reduced from 258,000 to 41,000 in three days,” he said, adding that the JPMC doctor went through the same condition and died a few days back.

Dr Shoro emphasised the need for public awareness and action.

“People must get tested for dengue if they develop a sore throat and fever and take their illness seriously. Second, improving the hygiene condition of the area you live in is a shared responsibility. We must take ownership of our localities and ensure that there are no mosquito breeding grounds.”

He warned that poor patient management by any (unqualified) doctor as well as self-medication, including use of antibiotics, steroids and even some common medicines, which in fact lowered platelet level, might complicate the case, causing death.

Dengue mosquitoes, according to experts, are generally active between the time period of August-October, and cases decline with the advent of winter.

Published in Dawn, December 14th, 2021