Are Rising Dengue Cases Indicating an Outbreak in Karachi and Hyderabad?
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Synopsis
The surge in dengue cases reported in Karachi and Hyderabad paints a concerning picture of a potential outbreak, with actual figures exceeding 12,000. This alarming situation calls for immediate attention and transparency from health authorities as they grapple with the realities of this mosquito-borne epidemic.
Key Takeaways
- The real number of dengue cases in Karachi and Hyderabad may exceed 12,000.
- Independent sources are questioning the government's reported figures.
- Several fatalities have been linked to dengue, contradicting official announcements.
- Experts call for enhanced data collection and transparency in health reporting.
- The end of October is critical for dengue case monitoring.
Islamabad, Oct 19 (NationPress) The Sindh Health Department has reported a total of 819 dengue cases in the province of Pakistan. However, data obtained from three prominent hospitals in Karachi and one public laboratory along with its branches in Hyderabad indicate a much more severe situation, with the actual count surpassing 12,000 cases in merely six weeks, as reported by local media on Sunday.
While the Pakistani government had announced a single death due to dengue in July, independent reports suggest that four patients in Hyderabad and two in Karachi succumbed to the mosquito-borne disease.
The government’s silence regarding the inconsistencies in the data has led a senior official from the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) to question the reliability of the official statistics, stating that they fail to reflect the true situation on the ground, as highlighted by Pakistan's leading daily, Dawn.
Official figures released by the Director General of Health Services state that dengue cases in the Karachi division and Hyderabad district were 579 and 119, respectively, for the year 2025. Nevertheless, data from three hospitals in Karachi—Indus Hospital (IH), Liaquat National Hospital (LNH), and Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital and Research Centre (SIDHRC)—indicate that 2,972 dengue cases were reported from September 1 to October 16.
The Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre has also recorded 1,062 dengue cases from July to the present. Sources indicate that the number of dengue cases at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) is significantly higher compared to previous years, along with a few reported fatalities.
In Hyderabad, the situation is increasingly concerning, with data from the Diagnostic and Research Laboratory (DRL) of the Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS) showing 9,075 dengue cases from September 1 to October 14.
PMA Sindh President Bashir Ahmed Khaskheli described the situation as much graver than what official data suggests, emphasizing that the statistics do not accurately depict the reality.
“There is no official system to gather feedback from private clinics and hospitals, which means many patients, especially those with financial constraints, do not get laboratory tests,” he informed Dawn.
Faisal Mahmood, an infectious diseases professor and associate chief medical officer at AKUH, corroborated the increase in dengue cases, noting that the end of October typically sees the highest incidence of such cases.
Point of View
It is imperative to convey that the rise in dengue cases is a significant public health concern. The discrepancies in reported figures underscore the need for transparency and accuracy in health reporting. The nation must prioritize health and safety as it navigates this crisis.
NationPress
19/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current number of dengue cases in Pakistan?
The official count stands at 819, but independent reports suggest the actual number exceeds 12,000.
How many deaths have been reported due to dengue?
Officially, one death was reported, but independent sources indicate six fatalities attributed to dengue.
Which hospitals have reported high dengue cases?
Hospitals such as Indus Hospital, Liaquat National Hospital, and Aga Khan University Hospital have reported significant cases.
What measures are being taken to address the outbreak?
Public health officials are urged to improve data collection and transparency to manage the dengue outbreak effectively.
What do experts say about the situation?
Experts emphasize that the statistics do not reflect the ground reality and urge for better monitoring and response.
