With the city grappling with an alarming rise in chikungunya and dengue cases, health experts are urging immediate action to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds to curb the spread of these diseases.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Dr Saman Nadeem, Consultant Clinical Microbiologist and Sectional Head of Microbiology at the National Medical Center (NMC), highlighted these concerns during a public awareness seminar titled “Dengue and Chikungunya: Diagnosis and Prevention”. The event was held at the L.E.J. National Science Information Center, jointly organized by Dr Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD), University of Karachi (UoK), and the Sindh Innovation Research and Education Network (SIREN).
Dr Nadeem emphasized that both chikungunya and dengue are transmitted by mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, which also transmit the Zika virus. She explained that chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV), a member of the Togaviridae family. The primary symptoms include joint swelling, muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue, and rash. Although there is no specific treatment for chikungunya, the symptoms can be alleviated through rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relief medications. While most patients recover fully, joint pain can persist for weeks, months, or even years, she noted.
Discussing the challenges in controlling the spread of these diseases, Dr Nadeem stressed the importance of preventing mosquito bites, especially during the rainy season when breeding sites are more prevalent. “Eliminating mosquito breeding grounds is critical in curbing the spread of these diseases. Simple precautions, such as wearing clothing that covers most of the body, using mosquito nets, and installing window screens, can significantly reduce the risk of infection,” she said.
She added that due to similarities in symptoms, chikungunya is often misdiagnosed as dengue or Zika, making accurate diagnosis and reporting difficult and resulting in an underestimation of the true number of chikungunya cases.
Regarding dengue, Dr Nadeem mentioned that it is classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) into three categories: dengue without warning signs, dengue with warning signs, and severe dengue. Symptoms of dengue include fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, and joint and muscle pain. Severe dengue can lead to life-threatening complications if not properly managed.
“There is no specific treatment for dengue either, so the focus remains on managing pain and symptoms,” she noted.
The seminar concluded with a call for collaborative efforts between health authorities, researchers, and the public to raise awareness, implement mosquito control measures, and strengthen diagnostic and reporting systems. Addressing these issues is crucial to preventing future outbreaks and ensuring the health and safety of the community.
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