'Karachi faces shortage of Chikungunya testing kits'

Karachi is currently grappling with a rapid increase in Chikungunya cases, while the testing remains limited due to a shortage of antibody kits, affecting diagnosis at several health facilities across Sindh.

During an exclusive interview with Times of Karachi, Dr Sonia Qureshi – a child infection specialist, stated that the unusual rise in Chikungunya cases was reported after the recent rains, as stagnant water creates mosquito breeding grounds.

The symptoms of Chikungunya include a high fever – often up to 104 – dizziness, vomiting, rashes, and severe joint and muscle pain that can last for weeks or even months.

Chikungunya can cause severe discomfort, while its fatality rate is significantly lower than that of dengue. However, people with compromised immune systems – like the elderly, newborns, and pregnant women – are at higher risk of complications.

She further warned pregnant women to take extra caution as the virus can lower white blood cell counts, increasing the risk of bleeding and potentially leading to premature delivery.

Meanwhile, the pregnant women are advised to consult a doctor if symptoms emerge, and suggested to take normal fever medicines and painkillers.

“There’s no special treatment for the virus; maintaining hydration and bed rest is crucial,” Dr. Qureshi said.

Responding to a question, Dr Qureshi said, “Chikungunya testing remains limited due to a shortage of antibody kits, affecting diagnosis at several health facilities across the province.”

In response to the surge in cases, the government has initiated fumigation drives, although, Dr Qureshi suggested that citizens should wear protective clothing – long sleeves and thick fabric clothing – during early morning and afternoon as these mosquitoes are most active during that time of the day.

She further suggested the citizens to clear stagnant water from their homes and ensure that water does not collect in places like AC trays or pots, as these are breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Although a Chikungunya vaccine was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in United States of America (USA) back in November 2023, but it is not yet available in Pakistan.