KARACHI: In response to recent media reports attributing four patient deaths directly to COVID-19, the Sindh Health Department has issued a clarification, stressing that the fatalities cannot be attributed solely to the virus. This statement follows rising concern amid an unusual summer surge of COVID-19 cases in Karachi, particularly among immunocompromised individuals.
Meeran Yousuf, spokesperson to Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, on Saturday stated that the four patients who passed away were all over the age of 60 and suffered from multiple comorbidities, which contributed significantly to their deterioration. All were admitted to a private hospital in Karachi, reportedly Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH).
“It cannot be said that the only cause of death was COVID,” said the spokesperson, highlighting that globally and locally, COVID-19 is now being treated as a manageable, seasonal virus.
The clarification comes after a report highlighted four deaths linked to COVID-19 amid rising hospitalizations in Karachi, which infectious diseases experts had termed "unusual" for this time of year, given the high daytime temperatures exceeding 40°C.
Background: Rise in summer COVID cases
According to Dr. Syed Faisal Mahmood, infectious diseases specialist at AKUH, hospitalizations due to COVID-19 are increasing, even though the virus is currently causing mild, flu-like symptoms in the general population. However, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems remain at high risk of complications.
Dr. Mahmood described the trend as atypical, noting that respiratory infections such as COVID-19 generally spike in winter, not during peak summer heat. He recommended precautions such as mask-wearing and avoiding gatherings, especially for high-risk individuals.
Other hospitals, including Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital (SIDH) and facilities under Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), also reported new admissions and positive cases, though in smaller numbers.
Experts believe the current wave may be driven by the JN.1 subvariant of Omicron, which generally causes milder illness but can still be dangerous for vulnerable populations.
Officials at the National Institute of Health (NIH) in Islamabad acknowledged informal reports of a rise in infections but emphasized the need for enhanced testing and sample submission for surveillance and accurate reporting.
Government’s message to media and public
The Sindh Health Department has cautioned media outlets to avoid using alarming headlines that suggest COVID-19 is solely responsible for recent deaths, stating that such narratives create unnecessary panic among the public.
“COVID-related mortality today often involves comorbid factors. Presenting it as the primary or only cause misrepresents the situation,” added the spokesperson.
The ministry reiterates that while COVID-19 is still circulating, especially in urban centers like Karachi, the majority of cases are mild and manageable, and the situation does not warrant alarm but calls for vigilance—particularly for elderly, immunocompromised, and high-risk individuals.
Follow the Medical News Pakistan official WhatsApp Channel for real-time updates.
JOIN NOW: Medical News Pakistan WhatsApp Channel