In the thousands: Dengue reaches new heights in Swat, Shangla

At least 14 more people were shifted to THQ Hospital Bisham after they were diagnosed with dengue.

MINGORA/ SHANGLA:

Even though the dengue outbreak was expected to lose strength by the time temperatures fell in Shangla district, the fever continues to haunt locals. The total number of dengue patients exceeded 1, 200 on Wednesday. At least 14 more people were shifted to Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) Hospital Bisham after they were diagnosed with dengue.

THQ Hospital Bisham In charge Dr Mansoor Ahmad Khan said of the 32 who were tested for dengue, 14 were reported positive on Wednesday and were admitted in the hospital for further treatment.

He complained of a lack of facilities as the number of patients keeps increasing. As a result, some patients are being referred to private clinics for medication, drips and kits.

Meanwhile, five more dengue cases surfaced in Swat taking the total count there to 9,013 on Wednesday, according to DHO Swat

The patients were admitted to the dengue cell of Saidu Sharif Teaching Hospital (STH), where the number of registered dengue patients has reached 5, 139.

“Of the 5,139 patients, 4,963 have been cured. Presently, 27 patients are under treatment while only one patient is suffering from complications and is in the intensive care unit,” said STH Spokesperson Dr Wasil Ahmad Khan.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 7^th,2013.