13 April 2017 – The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination of Pakistan has informed WHO of new figures for chikungunya cases reported in the country.
Between 19 December 2016 and 30 March 2017, a total of 1018 suspected cases of chikungunya have been reported in various districts in Karachi. No deaths have been reported so far.
Out of 157 samples sent to the National Institute of Health (NIH), Islamabad for laboratory-confirmation of diagnosis, 121 were found positive for Chikungunya virus.
WHO is working with the Ministry of Health and partners for coordinated response activities and capacity-building in the affected areas.
District and town health officers have been given instructions in taking appropriate preventive measures for Chikungunya fever. Pamphlets on how to identify and treat chikungunya fever cases have been distributed in hospitals and primary health centres in the area. Posters and advertisements have also been issued in the local languages. Lady health workers have been instrumental in running door-to-door educational campaigns to inform citizens about preventive measures.
Surveillance activities have been enhanced in places where high densities of vector (Aedes Aegypti mosquito) have been detected. In addition, appropriate vector control measures were carried out.
