Chikungunya cases rate increase in Karachi

Chikungunya, a mosquito-borne viral illness, is experiencing a steady rise in cases in Karachi.

The uptick in chikungunya cases has resulted in more patients visiting physiotherapy clinics for relief from bone and joint pain.

Dr. Fazilah, a physiotherapist in the city, reported that many patients suffering from severe joint and body pain due to Chikungunya have found relief through physiotherapy treatments.

Local hospitals, including the Police Hospital, are seeing dozens of new cases each month as patients seek care for symptoms like muscle pain, fatigue, and inflammation.

In the past month, Karachi recorded a spike in chikungunya cases, with 140 confirmed infections from May to September.

During this time frame, 211 suspected cases were reported, and 189 individuals were screened for the disease. Out of those screened, 140 tested positive.

Additionally, the National Institute of Health (NIH) issued an advisory on controlling and preventing the spread of chikungunya, which is similar to dengue fever.

In response to the outbreak, the Ministry of Health has instructed relevant authorities to take immediate action and has warned that chikungunya is a viral illness transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes.