KARACHI – July 1, 2025: Sindh has recorded its first dengue-related fatality of the year after a 24-year-old man succumbed to the virus at the Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital in Karachi. The patient had been on a ventilator for two days before passing away, hospital officials confirmed on Tuesday.
Doctors said the young man was admitted in critical condition, with his platelet count dropping dangerously low to just 32,000 — far below the normal range of 150,000 to 450,000. His death marks a grim milestone as the province battles the seasonal resurgence of mosquito-borne illnesses.
So far in 2025, Sindh has reported 295 dengue cases, with an overwhelming majority — 260 cases or nearly 90% — surfacing in Karachi, making the city the epicenter of dengue activity in the province.
In June alone, Karachi recorded 32 new dengue cases, while other regions saw little to no activity. Hyderabad and Shaheed Benazirabad divisions reported no new cases, while Mirpurkhas and Sukkur each confirmed just one case during the month.
Cumulatively, for the year 2025:
- Karachi: 260 cases
- Hyderabad: 30 cases
- Mirpurkhas: 2 cases
- Sukkur: 2 cases
- Shaheed Benazirabad: 1 case
Though the current numbers remain a cause for concern, they represent a dramatic drop compared to previous years. In 2024, Sindh reported 2,704 cases, while 2023 saw 2,880 cases. The worst year on record was 2022, when over 23,000 dengue infections were reported across the province.
Health experts say the significant decline in cases this year may indicate that public health interventions — such as fumigation drives, public awareness campaigns, and improved drainage management — are beginning to pay off. However, they also warn that the ongoing monsoon season presents a serious risk, as standing water can lead to a spike in mosquito breeding.
“We cannot afford to let our guard down,” said a senior health official. “Dengue might be down, but it’s not out.”
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant:
- Avoid water stagnation near homes
- Use mosquito repellents and nets
- Keep windows and doors screened
- Seek prompt medical care if symptoms appear — such as high fever, severe headache, body aches, or bleeding
As Karachi grapples with its annual battle against dengue, the first fatality of the year is a somber reminder that early prevention remains key.
