Hundreds of individuals in Karachi are flooding government hospitals each day with symptoms of cough, fever, cold, flu, and chest congestion, marking a concerning trend over the past week. Medical professionals have now pinpointed adenoviruses as the culprit behind this viral onslaught.
Dr. Qalb-e-Hasan, overseeing the Emergency Department at Civil Hospital, emphasized the impact of climate change and environmental pollution on the rising cases. “Diseases are increasing due to climate change and environmental pollution,” he stated, highlighting the urgency of addressing these broader issues.
Government officials disclosed that over 1,000 patients are daily seeking treatment at the hospital, reporting complaints ranging from headaches to runny noses and fever with chills. The majority of these cases have tested positive for adenoviruses, a family of viruses known to infect various parts of the body including the airways, lungs, eyes, intestines, urinary tract, and nervous system.
While adenoviruses can lead to a spectrum of illness from mild to severe, serious cases are less common, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, individuals with compromised immune systems or pre-existing respiratory or cardiac conditions are at heightened risk of severe illness from these infections.
The US National Health Agency underscored the modes of adenovirus transmission, stating it typically spreads through close personal contact. This includes actions such as touching or shaking hands, exposure to airborne particles from coughing and sneezing, and contact with contaminated surfaces followed by touching one’s face before proper handwashing.
Authorities in Karachi are urging citizens to take precautions to prevent the further spread of adenoviruses, emphasizing hand hygiene, wearing masks in crowded areas, and avoiding close contact with those showing symptoms. As the situation unfolds, health officials continue to monitor and respond to this viral outbreak in Karachi.
