Viral infection surge in Lahore with hundreds of residents seeking medical help has suspicion doctors suspect possible return of COVID-19.
A surge in viral infections has gripped Lahore, with hundreds of residents seeking medical help over the past three weeks for symptoms such as high fever, constant coughing, and body pain.
Healthcare professionals are growing increasingly worried that the outbreak might be tied to a re-emergence of COVID-19. However, official testing remains minimal, raising concerns about underreporting.
Both public and private healthcare facilities across the city are witnessing a sharp rise in patients suffering from flu-like symptoms. While many doctors suspect that COVID-19 could be one of the causes, routine testing for the virus has largely been discontinued.
“COVID-19 is on the rise, people are showing up at hospitals, but testing is no longer being done,†stated Professor Dr. Irfan Malik, a leading pulmonologist at a medical university in Lahore.
Private laboratories report a noticeable decline in demand for COVID tests, and the Punjab Health Department has halted regular screening procedures, even though the situation could pose a serious public health risk.
Experts note that several variants of the virus are likely in circulation at once. Due to this complexity, testing is often not suggested. Still, the symptoms being reported are consistent with earlier waves of COVID-19, and doctors stress they should not be ignored.
Health officials have urged the public to stay vigilant. Individuals experiencing signs of illness should self-isolate, wear masks, and avoid crowded places to help stop the spread. Quarantine is strongly advised for those with symptoms.
“We’re not out of danger yet,†warned a senior physician from a government hospital. “The best defense is still precaution.â€
