Karachi is presently experiencing an outbreak of Dengue Viral Fever is largely self limiting, however, second infection of it to the same person in later years does lead to Dengue Haemorrhgic Fever and then even to Dengue Shock Syndrome, which could be fatal.
Senior medical experts discussing the issue in a meeting at Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Center (JPMC) here on Saturday morning citing the outbreak a serious health issue urged urgent and necessary measures to combat the virus caused through mosquitoes, that has gripped the city due to extremely poor hygienic conditions manifested in form of garbage heaps, stagnant water pool and flowing sewage across the city.
This must be mentioned that Karachi experiences episodes of Dengue Viral Fever every year at the onset of winter season. Experts including Professor Mashoor Alam Shah (Executive Director, Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Center), Professor Naseem Salahuddin (Medicine Department, Liaquat National Hospital), Professor Khalid Mehmood (Medicine Department, Civil Hospital - Karachi), Dr Altaf Ahmed (Head of Clinical Microbiology Department, LNH), Dr Anita Zaidi (Aga Khan Medical University) and Dr Farheen Ali cited the current outbreak a major public health condition required to be handled at all levels.
Referring to the fact that cases of Dengue Fever are being constantly reported at local doctors and that there are mild to moderate to severe categories of the ailment, identified as Dengue Viral Fever, Dengue Haemorrhgic Fever and Dengue Shock Syndrome, the experts stressed for adequate diagnostic/laboratory facilities at both central and provincial levels.
This was stated to be extremely pertinent against the backdrop that Dengue Shock Syndrome and Congo Haemorrhage Fever present with almost similar conditions that is extensive bleeding from oral cavities as epistexsis (nasal bleeding), haemopysis (bleeding from respiratory tract) gastrointestinal tract etc.
"It thus become extremely difficult for the doctors to differentiate between the exact type of infection and handle it accordingly," they observed referring to existent confusion and reiterating the fact that clinical diagnosis not only put medical professionals at risk but also efficiently hamper proper treatment under these conditions.
The doctors attending the meeting also underscored need for proper Referral Facilities, so that suspected cases may be referred to identified hospitals without any delay.
It was particularly stressed that government must withdraw custom duty imposed on Latex Gloves, specifically needed by medical and lad workers. It is because of the high cost of these gloves that many of the professionals, including those drawing bloods are unable to put on while undertaking their professional responsibilities.
The senior professionals also strongly demanded urgent measures for a sound system enabling safe disposal of hospital waste, generated by relevant institutions across the city. Provision for incinerator was stressed to be an essential requirement.