Summary Health ministry and WHO issued a joint statement on the situation.
KARACHI (Web Desk) – In a joint statement issued by the Ministry of National Health Services and World Health Organisation (WHO) on Monday, it was stated that there have been unconfirmed reports of the presence of Chikungunya virus in Karachi, especially in the areas of Malir.
The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Department of Health of the Sindh Province jointly with the World Health Organization in Pakistan are working closely in the wake of these unconfirmed reports and carrying out epidemiological investigations.
“While the investigations continue, this is to clarify that no case of Chikungunya Virus has yet been confirmed till date and any information circulated with regard to confirmation of any case is incorrect and misleading,” the statement says.
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The Chikungunya virus pertains to the same family of viruses (these-called “arboviruses”) family, as dengue, but is known among the three for causing the least harm to health. Being transmitted by the same mosquito (Aedes Aegypti) as Dengue, the measures that are already in place for controlling dengue are identical to the ones that would be needed to control any surge of Chikungunya transmission.
Epidemiological investigation supported by laboratory confirmations being under taken by the health authorities equally critical, is to remind that an External Evaluation Mission of Experts mandated by the WHO Regional Committee of the Eastern Mediterranean Region has concluded, in a recently released report that Pakistan both at federal and provincial levels is well prepared to respond to any epidemic event.
The assessment has been conducted in all provinces and has been technically reviewed the 19 areas of capacities required by International Health Regulation.
