Sindh Health Department Intensifies Anti-Dengue Drive

By Nazir Siyal

KARACHI: Secretary Health Sindh Rehan Baloch said that the provincial health department has intensified its anti-dengue campaign across Sindh, maintaining daily surveillance of 164 hospitals and 53 laboratories, including 36 in Karachi and 17 in Hyderabad.

 

He stated that the dengue season peaks during September, October, and November, but the government had already mobilized efforts early in the year. “Our teams are actively conducting larvicidal and fumigation operations in high-risk areas to prevent mosquito breeding,” Baloch said.

 

According to the secretary, 30 districts conducted 62 surveys identifying 191 mosquito breeding sites where immediate larva-killing and spraying actions were carried out. Between October 1 and November 2, a total of 482 patients were hospitalized — 314 until October 28 and 168 from October 29 to November 2.

 

Tragically, 13 dengue-related deaths were reported in October: four in Hyderabad, one in Tando Muhammad Khan, one in Karachi Korangi, three in Karachi Malir, two in Karachi East, and two in Karachi West. Three more deaths have been reported in November so far. “Many of these patients were already suffering from serious illnesses, which worsened their condition,” Baloch clarified.

 

He said that each dengue-related death is reviewed by hospital committees before confirmation. “The public should not believe in rumors; all cases are being transparently verified,” he added.

 

Rehan Baloch shared that Liaquat University Hospitals in Hyderabad and Jamshoro conducted 855 tests in October, with 621 testing positive. A total of 121 beds have been allocated for dengue patients. Under LUMHS Diagnostic Research Laboratory, seven testing points in Hyderabad carried out 32,491 tests in October, out of which 15,305 were positive.

 

The department has ensured the availability of essential dengue control supplies, including 19,400 test kits, over 5,100 kg of spraying chemicals, 8,700 liters of fogging solution, 3,500 kg of larvicides, and 36,600 mosquito nets. Regular fumigation, larva eradication, and awareness campaigns are being carried out across all high-risk areas, including Qasimabad and Latifabad in Hyderabad.

 

The secretary also noted that the Sindh Healthcare Commission has reduced prices for dengue, malaria, and CBC tests in private laboratories to provide relief to citizens.

 

Baloch further warned that new dengue virus strains have emerged in some countries, leading to more severe cases. “However, Sindh’s dengue response units are fully functional. Hospital capacities are being expanded, field operations are ongoing, and all necessary supplies are available,” he assured.

 

He urged citizens to ensure there is no stagnant water around their homes and to strictly follow preventive measures. “The government is fully active and committed to safeguarding public health,” Baloch emphasized.