After the rain: Stagnant water gives birth to more dengue cases

Experts urge the government to start fumigation right away

LAHORE: Recent intermittent drizzles have paved the way for the potentially deadly dengue fever to resurface as the stagnant water is providing breeding grounds for the mosquitos.

A black and white mosquito, Aedes Aegypti, lays eggs in pots or empty containers from which fresh water has recently dried. Any place which has stagnant water is a potential breeding ground.

Dr Aslam Khan, who teaches at University of Health and Sciences’ Human Genetics and Molecular Biology Department, told The Express Tribune that larva can emerge in every nook and cranny of the city as this is breeding season. “Therefore, people must take care of themselves,” he underlined.  He urged authorities to start fumigation immediately, adding people must clean their houses to protect themselves against the virus. The doctor stressed on the need to set up laboratories equipped with facilities to conduct extensive research on dengue mosquitos’ breeding habits.

Dr Aslam said public spending for research on communicable diseases did not correspond with their impact on people’s health. “The government has set up state-of-the-art laboratories to research heart diseases, but paid no heed to dengue,” he underlined.

According to a press release issued by the health department, Punjab Minister for Health Khawaja Salman Rafique said authorities were fully aware of their responsibilities and performed all tasks assigned to them for the anti-dengue campaign.

He hoped the situation would be under control in 2017, adding collaborative efforts between the government and social activists were needed to eliminate the virus. Last year, hundreds of people were admitted to various public and private hospitals with symptoms of the disease.

“Usually, during the fumigation drive, people don’t allow local government staffers to enter their houses. Upscale localities, such as cantonment board authorities, also took no measures to prevent the spread,” said a doctor, requesting anonymity.

The health department spokesman said several meetings had been conducted with cantonment authorities and the local government department. He assured the fumigation drive in the city would be comprehensive this time around.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 16^th, 2017.