THIS refers to ‘Clarification’ (March 12) regarding the release of an emerging infection alert pertaining to outbreak of the lumpy skin disease (LSD) by the Department of Infection Prevention and Hospital Epidemiology (DIPHE) of the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) in Karachi.

It has been reportedly clarified that the overview was prepared by the DIPHE following a detailed and critical review of the existing literature, including from the World Organisation of Animal Health. It was further clarified that as per the existing data available, the disease is an infection of cattle and does not infect humans.

It has been added that: “to clarify for this overview no clinical research on animals or patients was done at the Aga Khan University.”

The AKUH, is, in my view, an internationally reputable institution and its services are well appreciated. As a common citizen, I expect much more than what has been already done. I feel this is a rare opportunity for the hospital and the DIPHE for conducting actual clinical research on animals or patients.

The findings of such a research, I believe, would be appreciated by the people of Karachi, the government authorities as well as the owners of the animals who have been caught in a rather tricky situation.

Muhammad Bashir Chaudhry
Karachi

Published in Dawn, March 21st, 2022