KARACHI, Nov 28: The Pakistan Medical Association Karachi on Monday expressed serious concern over the increase in the number of haemorrhagic fever cases in Karachi. It said that approximately 60 such cases were reported in different hospitals of the city, including the JPMC, Civil Hospital Karachi and the Aga Khan University Hospital.

“According to the AKUH 50 cases of haemorrhagic fever have been reported till Nov 28 within the period of three months, of which five patients have died, 45 patients investigated and one of them found infected with Congo fever, while 10 others with Dengue virus”.

“There is a lack of awareness about the prevention of infectious diseases among the doctors and also no protective gears (gloves, masks, caps and goggles) are available at the facilities to prevent the infectious diseases like haemorrhagic fever.”

The PMA added: “We strongly support the demands of the house-job doctors working in the CHK, but request them to call-off the strike for the sake of the patients. We also implore the health department to accept the demands of house-job doctors to save the lives of the doctors, paramedics, medical students, health workers, patients and their attendants.”

The PMA Karachi also expressed concern that no laboratory was available in Karachi to diagnose the strains of all types of virus, with the exception of private-sector’s Aga Khan Laboratory.

It demanded of the government that at least the higher, secondary and tertiary government hospitals should have quality laboratory facilities to diagnose all types of diseases caused by infectious organisms and viruses.

It said that proper isolation wards should be set up in all government hospitals.

The PMA further demanded that all the government hospitals should form an “Infection Control Committee/Department” headed by senior microbiologist or infection control specialist.

The PMA informed the general public that the cases of viral Rhinopharyngitis used to increase in the beginning of the winter season and it could be controlled by taking proper diet, proper sleep and plenty of water.

“Therefore, people are advised not to panic, but if the symptoms of Rhinopharyngitis accompanied by skin rashes, nausea, vomiting and bleeding from body openings (nose, throat, ear, etc) they should immediately contact a physician.”

Meanwhile, the PMA Karachi has organized an ‘update lecture’ on “Haemorrhagic Fever in Karachi” on Nov 29 at the PMA House, Aga Khan III Road Karachi at 2:30pm.—PPI