Karachi reports four deaths as COVID-19 cases rise in summer

At least four people, mostly elderly individuals with underlying health conditions, died of COVID-19 in Karachi amid a noticeable surge in cases over the past two weeks, according to health officials and experts.

All fatalities occurred at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), which is witnessing a steady rise in COVID-19 admissions. 

Dr Syed Faisal Mahmood, an infectious disease specialist at AKUH, called the trend “unusual,” noting that respiratory viruses like COVID-19 typically spike in winter, not during extreme summer heat.

“This midsummer surge is unexpected, however, the virus is circulating with mild symptoms among healthy individuals,” Dr Mahmood said. 

He urged those with symptoms, such as sore throat, fever, and cough, to wear masks, avoid crowds, and seek medical care.

Read: President Asif Ali Zardari tests positive for COVID-19

Dr Javed Khan, a respiratory disease expert, said  that 8 to 10 patients with COVID symptoms are arriving daily at a private hospital, most of them have travel history.

He said that while symptoms were generally mild, but precaution remains essential.

Dow Hospital and Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital (SIDH) also reported cases, at least three patients with COVID-19 verification were admitted there, and they were confirmed through PCR and rapid tests.

Samples are being analysed by the Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), where experts suspected it Omicron subvariant JN.1 could be responsible.

Nationwide, sporadic cases have been reported. However, the National Institute of Health (NIH) in Islamabad noted under-reporting due to low sample submissions and was planning enhanced surveillance.

Experts emphasised that elderly individuals and those with comorbidities were particularly at risk and should take extra precautions.