KARACHI: Sindh has reported its first confirmed dengue-related death of 2025, as a 48-year-old woman from Karachi’s East District lost her life to the mosquito-borne virus. According to health officials, the woman was also a diabetic patient, which may have worsened her condition.
So far this year, 345 dengue cases have been reported across Sindh, raising fresh concerns among healthcare professionals. The health department had previously issued an advisory on June 29, warning of increased risk due to stagnant rainwater following two days of heavy rainfall in Karachi.
Key neighborhoods such as Garden, Lasbela, Jamshed Road, Old City Area, and Ranchore Line are among the worst-affected. Waterlogging in streets and around homes has turned these localities into potential breeding grounds for dengue-carrying mosquitoes.
Experts note that dengue cases tend to rise when humidity levels reach 60% and temperatures stay between 26°C to 29°C—a weather pattern currently present in the city. Last year, a post-monsoon surge in vector-borne illnesses like dengue, chikungunya, and malaria overwhelmed hospitals across Karachi.
At the peak of last year’s outbreak, major public hospitals such as Jinnah and Civil Hospital were recording at least 50 dengue and chikungunya cases daily. According to private doctors and local clinics, over 80% of fever patients exhibited symptoms of these diseases, but many avoided testing due to high costs.
In Karachi, the standard cost of a chikungunya test is Rs 4,000, while a dengue test costs up to Rs 2,000. As a result, many doctors rely on complete blood count (CBC) tests to make treatment decisions. This lack of affordable testing may delay timely diagnosis and increase the risk of complications.
With the mosquito season intensifying, health officials are urging the public to take preventive measures, eliminate stagnant water, and seek early medical help in case of fever or other related symptoms.