Influenza Cases in Karachi Rise as Major Hospitals Report Daily Surge

Hospitals across Karachi are seeing more patients with seasonal influenza, with Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) reporting more than 80 cases every day. Hospital officials say the number of patients has increased sharply over the past few weeks, with changing weather, dust and air pollution being cited as contributing factors.

Dr Irfan Siddiqui, Administrative Coordinator and In-charge of the Emergency and Resuscitation Department at JPMC, said influenza cases at the hospital had doubled. He also warned that the virus was spreading within households, where one infected person could pass the illness to other family members.

Civil Hospital Karachi is facing a similar situation, reporting more than 50 influenza patients daily. Dr Faisal Mahmood said cases had been rising across the city for the last one to two months. Around 200 cases had been reported over the past few months, although he believes the actual number may be higher because many patients do not get tested.

Flu Season Starts Earlier Than Expected

Dr Mahmood said influenza cases usually reach their peak in December and January. However, the increase in Karachi has started earlier than usual this year, adding to the pressure on hospitals.

Seasonal Flu Vaccine Shortage Reported

Alongside the rise in infections, Pakistan is also facing a shortage of seasonal influenza vaccines. Both multinational and Chinese-manufactured vaccines are reportedly unavailable in the market.

Officials expect supplies from multinational pharmaceutical companies to arrive in November or December. Drug control authorities have also confirmed that the limited stocks of Chinese-manufactured flu vaccines have been exhausted.

The shortage has raised further concerns after reports emerged of attempts to sell allegedly counterfeit influenza vaccines. This has added to concerns about the availability of genuine and safe vaccines for the public.