A dengue-like outbreak of unknown aetiology in Pakistan

Abstract

There were recent reports of a mysterious virus spreading in Pakistan causing dengue-like illness with hundreds of cases admitted to hospitals over the winter. The mysterious virus was touted as a new variant of the dengue virus by the local health experts in Pakistan as most patients were tested negative for the dengue virus test despite presenting with dengue-like symptoms. In this letter, we have critically appraised the current situation in Pakistan in an attempt to explain the science and mechanism behind recent dengue-like outbreak, offered suggestions on diagnostic tests and provided recommendations to improve medication safety in Pakistan.