KARACHI: As many as 29 fresh cases of chikungunya have been reported from Karachi, taking the patients toll to 160 since October 1, 2017. According to a report issued by Sindh Health Department, a total 4,519 suspected cases of chikungunya have been reported across the province since January 1, 2017. In October, a total 171 chikungunya cases surfaced in the province, of which 160 were reported from Karachi while 11 from other parts of the province. In 2016, a total 405 suspected cases of chikungunya had been reported from Karachi. Experts said that chikungunya was transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes and major symptoms included high fever, joint pain, joint swelling, rash, headache, muscle pain, nausea and fatigue. The disease is rarely fatal, while the death rate among affected people is less than one percent. Published in Daily Times, October 20th 2017.