Sindh govt clarifies circumstances of 4 COVID-19-linked deaths in Karachi

KARACHI May 252025- The Sindh government has provided a detailed explanation following reports of four recent COVID-19-associated deaths in Karachi. Miran Yusuf, Media Coordinator for the Sindh Health Department, clarified that while the deceased tested positive for COVID-19, the virus was not the sole cause of death.

All four individuals were over 60 years old and had significant pre-existing health conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Yusuf noted that the patients were under treatment at a private hospital in Karachi and were receiving continuous medical care.

She emphasized that attributing the deaths exclusively to COVID-19 would be inaccurate and could lead to undue public alarm. Globally, including in Pakistan, COVID-19 is now regarded as a manageable viral infection, and Yusuf urged media outlets to avoid sensationalized reporting that might incite panic.

The clarification comes after the Sindh Health Department’s official confirmation of the four deaths, which had raised concerns among the public. Dr. Faisal Mahmood, an infectious disease expert, observed a notable increase in COVID-19 cases over the past few weeks, driven by new Omicron sub-variants.

Dr. Mahmood advised the public to adhere to preventive measures, such as mask-wearing in crowded spaces, maintaining hygiene, and limiting non-essential gatherings. Symptoms remain consistent with previous waves, including fever, cough, cold, and body aches, with early medical attention being crucial.

The Sindh government’s statement underscores that the fatalities resulted from a combination of COVID-19 and underlying health complications, calling for responsible reporting to curb misinformation and unnecessary fear.