Chikungunya worsens Pakistan's dengue, malaria crisis
By Mukhtar Alam KARACHI: The mega-polis of Pakistan, Karachi, is once again exposed to a major outbreak of the vector-borne chikungunya disease, courtesy the city's overall deteriorated environmental and sanitation conditions. According to sources in the provincial health department, localities included in the Central and East districts of Karachi have reported an extraordinary infection among people due to chikungunya virus (Chik V) in recent weeks, calling for immediate actions in the affected areas. Earlier, during the day (September 18), Sindh Minister for Health Dr Azra F Pechuho highlighted a host of human health-related developments across the province and hinted at the reemergence of Chik V, in addition to the already existing outbreaks of dengue and malaria diseases – all inflicted upon by mosquitoes. Official data revealed that from May to September this year, 189 out of 211 people suspected of Chik V infections were screened, and 140 (74%) were foun...