Measles cases have been on the rise in Karachi in recent weeks, highlighting ongoing issues with the public immunization program and parent awareness.
Data from major public hospitals, including the National Institute of Child Health and Dr Ruth K.M Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi, show measles has persisted as a challenge for doctors over the past year.
A senior physician from Civil Hospital Karachi said cases have increased lately, with many patients experiencing complications requiring immediate hospitalization. Doctors at the children’s institute reported a similar situation.
Records show one family was forced to transfer two critically ill children from NICH to Sindh Govt Infectious Disease Hospital & Research Centre last week after being told all intensive care beds were full. Tragically, the family had already lost one child to measles at home.
Specialists note 2023 has been difficult for kids diagnosed in large numbers with preventable diseases such as diphtheria and measles. Sadly, over 100 young lives were lost to measles alone at two hospitals last year.
The infectious disease hospital saw around 700 measles admissions last year, resulting in 53 deaths. Meanwhile, the children’s health institute reported the same fatality number alongside over 400 cases.
Doctors emphasize the true scale of infections may be much higher without adequate testing. They stress the importance of complete vaccination schedules as the only solution once illness becomes severe.
Acknowledgment: Published at Dawn News on 10-02-2024
