NIH denies surge in COVID-19 cases in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The National Institute of Health (NIH) has come out to dismiss reports of a surge in COVID-19 cases across Pakistan, saying  the situation was still under control.

 These rumors are scaring people and are baseless, asserts Dr. Mumtaz Khan, Head of the Center for Disease Control at NIH,   who says the confusion among the public is because all three-COVID-19, influenza, and seasonal flu– share symptoms that  have overlapping characteristics.

Dr. Khan also dispelled the fears of citizens, saying there was no need to panic as winter usually sees a peak in respiratory diseases, adding that the influenza and H1N1 cases were expected during the winter season. 

The NIH has enhanced its countrywide surveillance to keep a close eye on the situation, and a written update regarding COVID 19, influenza and H1N1 cases has been provided to the National Assembly.

The statistics for Karachi city also reveal growing patient number with cold and cough in hospital. Professor Saeed Khan of Dow Hospital says that of these patients 25–30% are having COVID-19. 

He found 10-12% diagnosed with H1N1 besides the fact of increasing respiratory infection among children up to a tremendous extent. It is worth noting that the COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan has been a huge concern, and the country faced three waves since the first reported cases in February 2020.

With the NIH keeping an eye on the situation and the public aware of the symptoms and precautions, the country can handle the situation better. While the assurance that all is under control by NIH is a welcome relief, it is equally vital that the public to be vigilant and to take due precautions to avoid pandemic concerns of the virus altogether.