KARACHI: Karachi has experienced a significant rise in chikungunya cases over the past five months, with 140 confirmed infections reported between May and September, according to ARY News citing the health department.
During this period, 211 suspected cases were reported, and 189 individuals were screened. Of those screened, 140 tested positive for chikungunya.
The National Institute of Health (NIH) has issued an advisory on controlling and preventing the spread of chikungunya, which is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and bears similarities to dengue fever.
The Ministry of Health has instructed relevant authorities to implement immediate measures to address the outbreak. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Bharat, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on National Health Services, highlighted that chikungunya is primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and most cases have been reported in Karachi, although other regions are also affected. Globally, the disease has been most prevalent in Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.
Dr. Bharat underscored the importance of taking precautionary measures to curb the spread of chikungunya.
