Karachi is witnessing a surge in pneumonia cases among children, with hospitals reporting a marked increase in daily admissions. The Children’s Hospital has been receiving an alarming 30 cases of pneumonia per day, while Civil Hospital records 10 to 15 cases daily.
Dr. Khalid Shafi, Secretary General of the Pakistan Paediatrics Association, noted that pneumonia cases typically see a rise during the months of October, November, and December. “Vaccinations are available for certain types of pneumonia,” he stated, urging parents to prioritize immunizations.
Dr. Shafi also emphasized the severity of pneumonia in Pakistan, where the illness claims over 70,000 lives annually. “Children under two years and the elderly above 65 are especially vulnerable,” he said.
Symptoms of pneumonia include coughing with discolored phlegm, fever, sweating, chills, difficulty breathing, and chest pain, according to Dr. Shafi, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment.
