Evolving landscape of viral infections in Pakistan: A comprehensive review of current surveillance, emerging threats and changing epidemiological patterns
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55629/pakjpathol.v36i4.932Abstract
Objective: Pakistan faces several challenges from endemic and emerging viral threats owing to its unique geographical location. Several factors including climatic conditions, socioeconomic challenges, urban overcrowding and travel, overwhelm the already fragile national healthcare system of the country.
Material and Methods: The authors conducted a comprehensive analysis of peer-reviewed literature published in PubMed-indexed journals, along with review of WHO reports and official surveillance data from Pakistan's National Institute of Health between 2020-2024. Endemic and emerging viral threats and their transmission routes, epidemiological trends and surveillance system performance was critically reviewed to formulate an objective report on the current evolving landscape of viral diseases in the country.
Results: Viral infections have exhibited dramatic shifts in past 5 years in Pakistan. Surge in vector-borne infections was observed, with dengue cases increasing from 3,442 in 2020 to more than 20,000 in 2024, and chikungunya was recorded as an emerging threat with 28 cases in 2024. Polio surveillance reported an alarming resurgence with 74 cases in 2024 against 6 in 2023. Respiratory viral infections showed changing trends with influenza A H1N1pdm09 remaining the leading cause accounting for 42.6% of respiratory viral infections, but with decreasing overall positivity rates. Hepatitis B and C remain significant public health concerns with Pakistan being the second country in the world in terms of the burden of hepatitis C.
Conclusion: The viral disease landscape in Pakistan is dynamic, marked by endemic persistence and emergent threats. This review highlights critical shifts in epidemiology and underscores that strengthening integrated surveillance, laboratory capacity, and climate-adaptive public health measures is imperative for effective control and future pandemic preparedness.
Keywords: Viral infections, Surveillance, Epidemiology, Emerging diseases, Climate change, Pakistan
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