Dengue outbreak in Karachi fills hospital wards to capacity amid sharp rise in cases
KARACHI: Dengue fever cases in Karachi are rising at an alarming pace, stretching the city’s healthcare facilities to their limits. The outbreak has overwhelmed major hospitals, with both Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) and Dr. Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi reporting full dengue wards as new patients continue to flood in daily.
According to Dr. Shabana, in charge of the dengue ward at Civil Hospital Karachi, the 36-bed facility is now completely occupied. “Initially, we were admitting around six to seven patients daily, but now over 20 patients are being admitted every day,” she said, emphasizing the steep upward trend in infections.
Hospitals facing severe space shortage
Dr. Shabana revealed that the hospital is running short on space for dengue patients as the number of referrals from other medical facilities grows. “We are holding meetings to double the number of beds and plan to extend the ward within the next couple of days,” she stated.
The hospital administration has also reserved two ICU beds exclusively for dengue patients, while the number of pediatric cases is rising significantly. “We are now planning to expand the pediatric section as well to accommodate the growing number of patients,” Dr. Shabana added.
Rising dengue trend raises public health concerns
Health experts warn that the current dengue trend in Karachi signals a worsening situation if preventive measures are not urgently implemented. The city’s warm, humid climate and stagnant water provide ideal breeding conditions for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the primary vector of dengue transmission.
Authorities are urging citizens to take extra precautions by eliminating standing water, using mosquito repellents, and ensuring proper sanitation in homes and workplaces.
Public health officials also emphasize the need for early diagnosis and treatment, advising individuals with symptoms such as high fever, severe body pain, and persistent vomiting to seek immediate medical attention at designated dengue centers.
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