Hospitals in Karachi are overwhelmed with chikungunya virus patients, with 500 to 750 suspected cases reported daily. Chikungunya, spread by mosquitos, causes severe symptoms, particularly in elderly patients and those with diabetes.
The outbreak has strained Pakistan’s struggling public health system, with 172 confirmed cases in Karachi alone. The actual number is likely higher due to the high cost of diagnostic tests, making it unaffordable for many. Government hospitals offer free tests but lack dedicated chikungunya wards.
Chikungunya, like dengue and Zika, is spread through mosquito bites. Symptoms include fever, joint pain, paralysis, and coma. There is no specific treatment, but rest, fluids, and pain relievers can help.
To prevent chikungunya, health authorities advise avoiding mosquito bites by wearing long sleeves, using repellants, and eliminating standing water. While a vaccine is available in the US, WHO approval is pending.
Globally, chikungunya has affected 118 countries, with the highest numbers in Brazil and India. Pakistan is taking steps to control the spread through larvicidal activities and awareness campaigns. The government’s efforts aim to eradicate the virus-carrying mosquitos and reduce the impact of the outbreak on the population.
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