Two more die of dengue in Karachi as cases surge across Sindh

Two more people have died of dengue, raising Sindh’s official death toll from the mosquito-borne virus to three, health officials confirmed on Monday. 

The latest victims, a four-year-old girl from Korangi who passed away at the Sindh Institute of Child Health and Neonatology (SICHN) and a man in his 50s, were both residents of Karachi. 

The child was admitted in critical condition on October 17, succumbed to capillary leak syndrome, a severe complication of dengue.

Dr Mushtaq Ali Shah, Deputy Director General for Vector-borne Diseases Sindh, said the reported deaths are under investigation, noting that underlying medical conditions often contribute to fatalities.

There has been an alarming increase in dengue cases, especially in Karachi and Hyderabad, in recent weeks.

Citing a previous case in Hyderabad, he explained that a woman initially reported as a dengue fatality had actually died from postpartum haemorrhage, though she tested dengue-positive.

He highlighted the lack of public awareness and preventive measures against vector-borne diseases, as cases continue to rise sharply, especially in Karachi and Hyderabad.

While official figures list 1,083 dengue cases in Sindh this year, hospital and lab data suggest the actual number may exceed 12,000 in just six weeks, underscoring the virus’s persistent threat during the monsoon season.