ISLAMABAD: The season of dengue, a viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes, might be very bad in Karachi this year after two to three months amid increased cases as compared to previous years, Dr Syed Faisal Mehmood said.

Dr Mehmood, who is the section head of infectious diseases at the Aga Khan University Hospital, joined the Aaj News morning show to speak on the viral infection amid the monsoon season.

Patients with stomach-related illnesses are common at clinics in Karachi during the rainy season because of the intake of unhygienic food.

“Whenever there is standing water, so cases related to stomach and diarrhoea increase. Typhoid also increases,” he said. “As the mosquito population increases, then the cases of malaria and dengue increase. And we are seeing increased cases this year.”

There is no specific treatment for dengue/severe dengue, the World Health Organisation said. Early detection of disease progression associated with severe dengue, and access to proper medical care lowered fatality rates of severe dengue to below 1%.

He added that having mosquito and houseflies repellant nets on windows would be a great help. But, he stressed the need for its maintenance. He advised keeping doors closed as much as possible and do not throw trash on road.

Is it safe to eat pakora in monsoon season?

“Remember if you are eating something that is freshly cooked is safe as all the germs are killed after cooking,” the head of AKU’s infectious diseases said. “If you have seen pakoras fired in front of you and then eaten it. It is safe.”

But, be careful of the sauce as it contained raw water that can cause Hepatitis A, E, typhoid, and diarrhoea, he warned.

He advised the people to have a Covid test if they are having fever complaints as the contagion cases were increasing in Karachi.

“Stay safe. Maintain distance in order to save people at home. Please try to wear masks if you don’t have a test and avoid handshake,” he said.