The outbreak of dengue in the wake of calamitous floods and recent spells of heavy monsoon rains has assumed the proportion of an epidemic in the federal capital and the flood hit areas in Sindh, especially Karachi on Wednesday.  In the federal capital, the number of dengue patients is rising with every passing day. On Tuesday, 128 dengue cases were reported in Islamabad, out of which 75 cases were reported in rural areas and 53 in urban areas. The total number of dengue patients has reached 871.  At PIMS Hospital, 39 new dengue patients while in private hospitals 55 patients were admitted yesterday.  As many as four people have succumbed to the virus during the recent resurgence of the epidemic in the federal capital. 

In Karachi which has braved torrential rains and urban flooding during the unusually heavy monsoon season, the situation is precarious.  According to the Sindh health department, 161 people have been diagnosed with dengue virus during last 24 hours. The virus has claimed 9 lives in the City of Quaid so far.  As per the data provided by the Sindh health department, a total of 1,227 people have been infected by dengue this month while the total number of dengue patients has reached 3,434 this year.  Monday’s maximum temperature was recorded at Dalbandin and Sibbi where mercury reached 42°C while in Lahore, it was 34.2°C and minimum was 23°C.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-INP