Malaria Cases Rise Gradually Across Sindh
KARACHI: Malaria cases are gradually increasing across Sindh, with more than 900 confirmed cases recorded in a single day, according to data from the provincial health department.
On Monday, August 24, health facilities across the province screened 10,033 suspected malaria patients. Of these, 916 people tested positive for the mosquito-borne disease.
Hyderabad Reports Highest Number of Cases
Hyderabad division recorded the highest number of confirmed cases with 410, followed by:
- Larkana: 208 cases
- Mirpurkhas: 174 cases
- Benazirabad: 87 cases
- Sukkur: 77 cases
- Karachi: 10 cases
However, doctors working at healthcare facilities in Karachi said the actual number of malaria patients in the city could be higher than the official figures.
Doctors Report Increase in Malaria Cases
Doctors in Karachi have observed an increase in malaria cases over the past three weeks.
Dr Imran Sarwar Shaikh, Additional Medical Superintendent and Head of the Emergency Department at Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi, said malaria patients are being reported regularly. He noted that the cases seen at the hospital have mainly been Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax) infections.
According to the doctor, some patients experience a recurrence because they stop taking their prescribed medicines once their fever improves.
He emphasized the importance of completing the full treatment course prescribed by a doctor. In some cases of vivax malaria, parasites can remain dormant in the liver and become active again later.
Senior general practitioner Dr Altaf Hussain Khatri also reported an increase in malaria cases during the past three weeks. He said dengue cases were also being reported, although their numbers remained comparatively lower.
Weather and Sanitation May Contribute
Medical experts have linked the recent increase in mosquito-borne diseases to weather conditions and sanitation problems.
They have called for stronger mosquito-control measures, including fumigation and improvements to sewerage systems, particularly in areas where stagnant water provides suitable breeding conditions for mosquitoes.
Malaria and Dengue Cases in Sindh
Mosquito-borne diseases remained a significant health concern in Sindh during 2025.
Data collected from several hospitals showed that thousands of patients were treated for malaria and dengue during the year, with some deaths also reported.
The Indus Hospital recorded 2,719 malaria patients in 2025, along with 8,883 dengue cases. Other healthcare facilities in Karachi and Hyderabad also reported cases of mosquito-borne diseases.
Weather Data Could Help Predict Disease Trends
A recent study by researchers at the University of Karachi highlighted the potential value of combining weather information with healthcare surveillance.
The research found a relationship between infectious disease patterns and factors such as temperature, humidity and rainfall in coastal districts of Sindh.
The study also reported a significant increase in malaria cases after heavy monsoon rainfall in Thatta in 2022.
Health experts continue to emphasize early diagnosis, appropriate medical treatment and preventive measures to reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases across the province.
