Is Pakistan Facing a Dengue Crisis? Another Death Raises Sindh's Toll to 26
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Synopsis
The dengue crisis in Sindh deepens as yet another life is lost to this deadly disease. A teenage girl, only 19, died at a local hospital, pushing the official death toll to 26. Experts warn of rising cases and call for urgent government action to address the alarming situation. What steps will be taken next?
Key Takeaways
- 26 deaths from dengue fever reported in Sindh since October.
- A 19-year-old girl died of dengue encephalitis.
- 727 new cases of dengue reported in the last 24 hours.
- The Pakistan Medical Association has called for a health emergency.
- Systemic failures in government operations have exacerbated the crisis.
Islamabad, Nov 10 (NationPress) A tragic incident occurred when a teenage girl succumbed to dengue fever at the Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital and Research Centre (SIDH&RC), marking the official death toll in the province at 26 since October, as reported by local media on Monday.
The provincial Health Department disclosed that the victim was a 19-year-old girl hailing from Korangi in Sindh. Sources indicated that she experienced seizures upon her arrival at the hospital, according to the Dawn.
A senior doctor from SIDH&RC remarked: "She was admitted with dengue encephalitis, which is a rare and severe complication of dengue fever," adding that the girl passed away just a day after her admission.
The doctor elaborated that symptoms of dengue encephalitis encompass seizures, muscle weakness, confusion or disorientation, and altered consciousness or coma.
Despite a drop in temperature, the doctor expressed concern, stating, "We are not witnessing a decline in cases at this time. A significant reduction in cases in Karachi may not be observed until December."
Recent official statistics revealed that within the past 24 hours, 727 patients tested positive for dengue fever, with 269 in Karachi and 458 in Hyderabad.
Currently, 271 patients are receiving treatment at government facilities, and 171 at private hospitals. The provincial case count has surged to 6,708 this month, accumulating a total of 12,284 cases for the year, as stated by the Health Department.
In response, the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has called on the government to declare a health emergency in the most impacted areas of Karachi and Hyderabad and to implement effective vector-control measures, as reported by Dawn.
The PMA also demanded an independent audit of Sindh's dengue prevention and control program, urging accountability for municipal services that have failed to address the situation effectively.
"The dengue crisis is a man-made disaster stemming from systemic failures in government operations. The lack of political commitment to ensure sanitation, waste management, and timely fumigation has transformed our cities into breeding grounds for the Aedes mosquito. Each reported death signifies a failure of local governance and the provincial Health Department," the PMA stated, condemning the ineffectiveness of fumigation and the collapse of municipal services.
Point of View
I emphasize the urgent necessity for government intervention in addressing the dengue crisis in Sindh. The rising death toll and the overwhelming number of cases demand immediate and effective action. It's crucial for authorities to prioritize public health and ensure accountability in vector-control measures.
NationPress
11/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is dengue fever?
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection that can cause severe flu-like symptoms and sometimes develop into more serious conditions, such as dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome.
What are the symptoms of dengue encephalitis?
Symptoms of dengue encephalitis include seizures, muscle weakness, confusion, disorientation, and altered consciousness or coma.
How is dengue fever transmitted?
Dengue fever is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti.
What measures can be taken to control dengue outbreaks?
Controlling dengue outbreaks involves effective vector control, such as insecticide spraying, public awareness campaigns, and improving sanitation and waste management.
How can I protect myself from dengue?
To protect yourself from dengue, use mosquito repellents, wear long-sleeved clothing, and ensure there are no stagnant water sources around your home where mosquitoes can breed.
