KARACHI, Oct 12: The viral hemorrhage fever (VHF) is assuming alarming proportions in the metropolis with around 150 people having contracted the deadly disease and being treated at various government and private hospitals.

Health Secretary Dr Naushad Sheikh confirmed that 120 cases had been reported so far in different private and government hospital during this month. There have been 500 confirmed dengue and 10 congo cases reported since June 2005 in the city.

The VHF had claimed 14 lives last year whereas it has claimed nine more lives till this day in the current year in Karachi alone.

Medical experts blame uncontrolled growth of mosquitoes in most parts of the city for the spread of this viral epidemic.

According to them, VHF is in the group of diseases that are caused by several distinct families of virus. Some of them cause mild illness while others can cause severe, life-threatening disease, which includes Crimean congo and dengue hemorrhage fever.

Dengue is a mosquito-bite infection which, in the recent years has become a major public health concern internationally whereas congo is caused by the bite of tick found on cattle. Dengue and congo are found in the tropical and sub-tropical regions around the world.

The experts have urged the authorities concerned to launch an effective fumigation drive to eliminate mosquitoes and dismantle their hatcheries.—Online