Stopping dengue: Wear a burqa, raise a bat?

Unlikely solutions to dengue outbreak emerge in Pakistan.


Ppi/express September 25, 2011

KARACHI: Wearing the burqa may cause osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency, but experts claim it can protect you from dengue.

The hijab has been declared a “very good protection from dengue mosquito bites” by Bangladeshi scientist, Prof Dr Nurul Kabir, working at Dr Panjwani Centre for Molecular Medicine (PCMD) and Drug Research (PCMD), Karachi University (KU).

He added that, "Only female mosquitoes bite, usually at dawn and dusk, on exposed parts of the body. So, Hijab is very good protection, while for males…long sleeves can protect them from the mosquito's bite.”

Dr Kabir delivered a lecture on "Dengue Fever: Prevention & Treatment", on Saturday at International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), KU, which was jointly organised by PCMD and the Virtual Education Program for Pakistan (VEPP).

He called upon the government to ensure cleanliness not only in the metropolis but also in different parts of the province. He said that there is dire need for conservation of Bats as a single Bat eats up to 1,000 mosquitoes per hour.

Dr Kabir said the use of papaya leaves and mixed apple and lemon juices is not scientifically recommended for treatment of dengue fever.

He said dengue fever is not as big danger as reported by Pakistani media. The government needs to control the spread of dengue fever in the country and for this mosquito control is the primary means, he said.

According to Dr Kabir, Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be avoided as these drugs may worsen the bleeding tendency associated with some of these infections. Patients may take Paracetamol.

COMMENTS (9)

Khan | 12 years ago | Reply

Islam always suggest best things for Humans Only if we understand. Burqa too many advantages whenever there is contiguous diseas tey request for Face Cover.... Lets start wearing Burqa O Ummah of Muhammad (SAWW)

Salman | 12 years ago | Reply Well I do not know much about dealing with dengue mosquito but I sort of agree with Brig (R) Waheed Uz Zaman Tariq. The Guppy fish is a very good fish for the preservation of ecosystem and it eats up mosquito eggs and hatchings. They are quite nominal and readily available
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