Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Pechuho has reassured citizens that COVID-19 is not spreading in Karachi, stating that the virus has “vanished across the world.” She urged the public to avoid sensationalism and fake news regarding the disease.
“As a precaution, tests were conducted on common cold patients, and mild symptoms were detected in only seven out of 100 cases,” she added, emphasizing that COVID-19 has now become similar to a seasonal cold and there is no cause for alarm.
However, recent medical reports suggest a rise in COVID-19 cases in Karachi, with 25 to 30 percent of patients experiencing cold and cough symptoms testing positive for the virus.
According to Professor Saeed Khan, an infectious disease expert at Dow Hospital:
- 25-30% of tested patients have COVID-19.
- 10-12% are diagnosed with Influenza H1N1.
- 5-10% of children exhibit respiratory infections.
Professor Khan highlighted that COVID-19, Influenza H1N1, and other winter viruses share similar symptoms, which discourages many patients from seeking proper testing, making it difficult to confirm the actual spread of these diseases.
