Thaindian News

Islamabad, Aug 22 (IANS) At least 14 cases of dengue were detected in Karachi, already battered by a wave of violence, and the authorities are now worried over its outbreak.

The cases that have been detected over the past two weeks bring the number of dengue cases in Sindh province this year to 138 and healthcare experts have warned of an epidemic if urgent steps are not taken, Daily Times reported Monday.

Dr Suresh Kumar, in-charge of Sindh’s dengue surveillance cell, said 138 dengue viral fever cases have been confirmed in the province this year, of which 119 cases were from Karachi.

Fortunately, no dengue death has been reported so far in the province, he said. Dengue fever is an infectious disease caused by the dengue virus carried by mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pains.

The City District Government Karachi had suspended its fumigation drive a month ago due to lack of funds.

The fumigation vehicles had to stop work due to lack of fuel and spraying chemicals.

In this situation not only dengue but other vector diseases could increase in Karachi, the report noted.

Nasir Javed, of the Karachi health department, said the higher authorities have been requested to provide funds to purchase fuel and fumigation chemicals.

Qaiser Sajjad of Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) said dengue fever has become a regular feature in the country, particularly Karachi, due to the failure of the administration to take long-term steps.

Karachi has witnessed a wave of violence over the past one week that has left some 80 people dead.