Karachi has reported its first dengue-related death of the year, health officials confirmed Saturday, marking a somber beginning to what experts fear could be another challenging dengue season for Sindh.

The victim, a 48-year-old woman from the city’s East district, was admitted to Aga Khan University Hospital on July 23 with symptoms consistent with dengue fever. Diagnostic tests later confirmed the mosquito-borne viral infection. According to the Sindh Health Department, her condition was complicated by pre-existing medical issues, including diabetes and a urinary tract infection (UTI), which likely worsened the impact of the disease. She passed away on Thursday due to related complications.

This is the first confirmed dengue death in Sindh for 2025, amid a steadily growing number of infections. So far, 345 cases have been reported across the province, with Karachi accounting for the bulk of them.

Officials have warned that the ongoing monsoon season creates ideal breeding conditions for the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which transmits the dengue virus. The health department has issued a public advisory urging residents to eliminate standing water, use mosquito repellents, and ensure proper fumigation in both homes and neighborhoods.

“Dengue is preventable, but only if the public actively participates in controlling mosquito breeding sources,” said a senior health official. “Simple precautions can save lives.”

The health system, already stretched thin by seasonal outbreaks and existing infrastructure challenges, is expected to come under increased pressure as the risk of further infections looms in the coming weeks.

Authorities are now ramping up surveillance and response measures to prevent further fatalities, while encouraging citizens to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, body aches, or rash.

With rising case numbers and favorable mosquito breeding conditions, health experts are urging a coordinated effort to curb the spread of the virus before it reaches crisis levels.