Doctors puzzled by unknown viral disease in Karachi

KARACHI: An unknown viral disease is affecting hundreds of people in the Saudabad neighbouhood of the city.

According to Senior Health Director, Dr Abdul Wahid Panwar initially the behaviour and symptoms of the virus are similar to dengue, with patients experiencing having high grade fever, severe body pain to the extent that people are unable to walk or sit.

According to the Medical Superintendent of Sindh Government Hospital Saudabad, Dr Rehana Bajwa so far more than 1,500 people have been visited to hospital including women and children.

Dr Bajwa added, the majority of people are coming from Saudabad, Pipri, Gadap and Bin Qasim.

Dr Bajwa further said to avoid the virus people should care about the cleanness and use mosquito repellent 

When asked about treatment, Dr Bajwa said the virus is self-remitting and it will take at least 25 days to recover. Patients are being given pain killers and fluids to reduce body temperature and pain.

So far a committee have been formed by Senior Director Health Services to investigate the disease and also start an awareness campaign.

When asked if the viral disease was Chikungunya, Director Health Dr Abdul Wahid Panwer said an investigation is under way, adding that measures need to be taken to control the spread of mosquitos.