After vector-borne diseases, Karachi witnesses surge in pneumonia cases
1. Children under two years of age, adults over 65 most vulnerable to disease, says medical expert
**KARACHI:** Following an increase in vector-borne diseases and viral infections, Karachi is now experiencing a rise in pneumonia cases due to changes in the weather.
The emergency in charge at the National Institute of Child Health (NICH) reported that approximately 30 pneumonia cases are being documented daily. Dr. Imran Sarwar from Civil Hospital also noted that his facility is seeing around 15 to 20 pneumonia cases each day.
These figures come in the wake of hospitals across the city reporting a higher incidence of dengue, malaria, chikungunya, and other viral illnesses.
According to the Sindh Health Department, at least 411 suspected cases of chikungunya have been reported in Sindh, with 153 confirmed through diagnosis, as reported by Geo News earlier this week. Additionally, this year has seen 1,724 dengue cases in Sindh, with 1,484 occurring in Karachi alone. There has also been one reported death due to dengue fever in the province this year.
The health department further indicated that Sindh has recorded 222,239 cases of malaria in 2023, with 1,768 diagnosed in Karachi.
Dr. Khalid Shafi, Secretary General of the Pakistan Pediatric Association, spoke to Geo News about the increase in pneumonia cases, noting that they typically rise during October, November, and December. He highlighted the availability of vaccines for certain types of pneumonia and emphasized that pneumonia causes approximately 70,000 deaths annually in Pakistan, primarily affecting children under two years and adults over 65.
Regarding pneumonia symptoms, Dr. Shafi explained that the illness often manifests as a cough that produces green, yellow, or red mucus. Other common symptoms include fever, sweating, chills, difficulty breathing, and chest pain, particularly during deep breaths or coughing.
