KARACHI: The metropolis is grappling with an uncontrollable outbreak of Adenovirus (ADV), worsened by climate change and environmental pollution. Symptoms such as headaches, chills, coughs, colds, fevers, and a rise in cases of diarrhoea have led to an influx of patients into local healthcare facilities.
Healthcare officials disclosed an increasing footfall, with more than a thousand patients crowding the government hospital daily, exhibiting ADV symptoms. For instance, Dr. Ruth KM Pfau Civil Hospital attended to 782 cases of ADV and acute respiratory tract infections on Saturday, with the figure escalating to 1,275 cases on Monday.
Dr. Harish Kumar, Assistant Medical Superintendent Civil Hospital, highlighted a substantial surge in cases of cold, cough, and fever within the past two to three weeks. With the weather swinging between cool nights and hot afternoons, exacerbated by environmental pollution and climate upheavals, the number of these cases is notably on an upward trend.
The majority of patients report symptoms including headaches, runny noses, fevers, and chills, with normal blood pressure readings and the fever duration typically lasting around a week. Dr. Kumar urged citizens to adopt preventive measures such as using boiled water, wearing masks, and shunning junk food, particularly protecting children and the elderly who are more susceptible.
KARACHI’S Civil Hospital Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Abdul Latif Shaikh, pointed out that a staggering 90 percent of reported cases are viral infections, punctuated with a few bacterial infections.
According to Dr. Imran, the emergency in-charge at the Civil Hospital, there has been a startling surge in diarrhoea cases. Where previously the hospital reported 4-6 daily cases, the figure now stands at 10-12 cases daily, largely precipitated by consumption of contaminated water. This has led to additional complications, impacting patients’ renal health.
However, Dr. Faisal Javed, a General Physician at Jinah Hospital Karachi, moved to allay public fear and panic. He reaffirmed that the virus is not novel, with existing vaccines available to prevent it. He advised diabetic and asthmatic patients to exercise caution as ADV is a contagious viral infection. He further emphasized the need for citizens to practice social distancing and wear face masks.
While the city wrestles with the ADV outbreak, its citizens must remain vigilant and adopt necessary precautionary measures to guard against infection and help curb its spread.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 20th, 2024.
Vocabulary List:
- Outbreak (noun): A sudden occurrence of something unwelcome, such as a disease.
- Contagious (adjective): Easily spread from one person to another.
- Upheavals (noun): Sudden, violent changes or disturbances.
- Exacerbated (verb): Make a situation worse or more severe.
- Vaccine (noun): A substance used to stimulate the production of antibodies and provide immunity against a disease.
- Precautionary (adjective): Done in order to prevent harm or risk.
