Karachi, May 23, 2025 – A surprising surge in COVID-19 cases has emerged in Karachi, with four deaths reported over the past two weeks amid the ongoing summer season, a period typically considered off-peak for respiratory viruses.
According to a report by Dialogue Pakistan, health officials confirmed that all four fatalities occurred at Aga Khan University Hospital. The deceased were primarily elderly patients with pre-existing medical conditions, highlighting the virus’s continued risk to vulnerable populations.
Dr. Syed Faisal Mahmood, a leading infectious disease expert, called the rise in summer cases “unusual.” He noted:
“Respiratory illnesses and viral outbreaks usually peak in winter, not during extreme heat. The spread of COVID-19 in this season is unexpected, though symptoms remain mild for most healthy individuals.”
Dr. Mahmood recommended that anyone experiencing sore throat, fever, or cough should wear masks, avoid crowded areas, and seek medical attention promptly.
Meanwhile, Dr. Javed Khan reported that a private hospital in Karachi is seeing 8 to 10 patients daily with COVID-like symptoms, many of whom had recent travel histories. He stressed the importance of maintaining preventive measures, even when symptoms appear mild.
Confirmed cases have also surfaced at Dow University Hospital and the Sindh Institute of Infectious Diseases, where at least three patients tested positive via PCR and rapid testing.
Experts at Dow University of Health Sciences suspect a new Omicron subvariant, JN.1, could be fueling the current wave. Genetic sequencing of samples is currently underway.
Nationally, cases are being reported in various regions, though the National Institute of Health (NIH) in Islamabad acknowledged that low testing rates may be masking the true scale of the outbreak. The NIH is now working to enhance surveillance efforts across the country.
Health authorities continue to warn that the virus poses a greater threat to the elderly and immunocompromised individuals, urging the public to remain vigilant and follow recommended safety protocols.
