Effects of recent floods on dengue prevalence in Pakistan

Abstract

The grave reality of the global climate crisis has become evident in Pakistan this year, with torrential rains and flooding, which have resulted in a third of the country being under water. Over 33 million people have been since displaced, and consequently, are vulnerable to a plethora of diseases, including malaria, dengue, and a multitude of respiratory and skin disorders.Since 2010, Pakistan has experienced dengue epidemics following the monsoon season, with over 16,580 confirmed cases in the city of Lahore in the year 2010 alone [1] . This year, all 4 provinces of Pakistan, namely, Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, have reported an increase in the number of diagnosed dengue cases, pointing toward the biggest outbreak yet. The disease characterized by flu-like symptoms appearing 7 days after infection, can be managed with appropriate and timely testing, which reduces its case fatality rate to <1% [2] .The dengue virus (DENV) has 4 variants and belongs to the Flaviviridae family. Its vectors, the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquito, had a spike in population not only due to the current rapid environmental changes but also, due to the stagnant water pools all over the landscape of Pakistan, which serve as the perfect breeding ground for the larvae. Recently, the situation has become more alarming, with the appearance of Aedes vitattus for the first time in the country, according to a renowned virologist at COMSATS University [3] .Tomatidine (TO), a novel steroidal alkaloid, has been shown to be efficacious against DENV, both in the early and late stages of infection. TO has been found to control the expression of the cellular protein activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4). However, this protein is not solely responsible for the observed antiviral effect [4] . In trials conducted on rats, TO has been found to reduce the uptake of dietary cholesterol in the liver by forming Research registration unique identifying number (UIN)None.

Health Impacts of the 2023 Flood in Pakistan: A Comprehensive Case Study on Skin-related Ailments and Waterborne Diseases

“…The emergence of waterborne diseases, skin-related issues, and the amplified risk to vulnerable populations has been a consistent theme in disaster situations [6]. As disaster management strategies evolve, this convergence of findings emphasizes the need for tailored interventions that prioritize both physical safety and public health in the aftermath of floods and other natural disasters [3,8,9]. As Pakistan endeavors to rebuild and strengthen its disaster resilience strategies, these findings from the 2023 flood provide a valuable opportunity to fine-tune disaster preparedness plans, emphasizing proactive healthcare interventions and efficient coordination to mitigate the health repercussions on vulnerable communities.…”

“…Collaborative efforts across borders can strengthen disaster response and recovery efforts [3]. Sharing resources, expertise, and best practices can lead to more effective healthcare interventions in the wake of transboundary floods.…”