lahore virus, the new virus born due to smog

On Saturday, Lahore reported the emergence of a new and mysterious virus-related disease amidst the backdrop of severe smog. According to Dr. Irfan Malik, a prominent pulmonologist, symptoms of the new virus include high fever, body pain, cough, and stomach-related issues, with the disease demonstrating human-to-human transmission.

Approximately 30 to 40 patients with symptoms of this "virus" are seeking medical attention daily in the city, with children and elderly individuals experiencing the most severe effects. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported in the provincial capital of Punjab due to this virus.

Caretaker Punjab Health Minister Dr. Javed Akram suggested that the new virus might be a resurgence of COVID-19, noting that people are not adequately getting tested for it. He acknowledged the prevalence of various viruses affecting citizens' health at present.

It is important to note that Pakistan has experienced worsening air pollution in recent years, exacerbated by a combination of low-grade diesel fumes, crop burning smoke, and cold winter temperatures, resulting in stagnant smog clouds. Lahore, with a population of over 11 million, is particularly affected during the winter season.

The levels of PM2.5 pollutants in Lahore, cancer-causing microparticles that enter the bloodstream through the lungs, have been measured as hazardous, exceeding the World Health Organization's danger limits by more than 64 times. The toxic air poses severe health risks, including strokes, heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory diseases, as highlighted by the WHO.

Despite efforts by successive governments, such as artificial rain, road water spraying, and weekend closures of schools, factories, and markets, the reduction of air pollution in Lahore has seen limited success.