KARACHI: Sindh is facing a severe malaria outbreak driven by widespread mosquito breeding in stagnant water, garbage dumps, and sewage overflow. The hot weather and frequent power outages have further worsened conditions, while the lack of fumigation by local authorities has allowed the disease to spread rapidly.
Sindh Health Department’s Dr Mushtaq Ahmed Shah warned that malaria, transmitted by infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, can cause high fever, fatigue, muscle pain, nausea, and diarrhea, often worsening at night. He advised residents to adopt preventive measures such as using mosquito nets, wearing full-sleeved clothes, applying repellents, and eliminating standing water.
Official data shows that 22,358 malaria cases were reported across Sindh between January 1 and April 20 this year, with Hyderabad and Larkana divisions recording the highest numbers. Karachi reported 206 cases, while the province recorded 16,906 cases of Plasmodium vivax, 4,820 of Plasmodium falciparum, and 632 mixed infections.
Despite the high infection rate, no malaria-related deaths have been reported so far, although one patient developed cerebral malaria requiring hospitalisation. Public concern is growing as evening mosquito activity intensifies, with residents reporting relentless mosquito bites amid electricity shortages and extreme heat.
Authorities have urged immediate medical consultation upon the appearance of malaria symptoms and stressed the need for regular cleaning and fumigation efforts. However, frustration remains high among citizens due to inadequate government-led mosquito control initiatives in affected neighborhoods.
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