Rains increase threat of dengue in capital

ISLAMABAD: Monsoon brings relief to all living things after the scorching heat of summer, but the season also has its share of diseases and health hazards. The season locally known as sawan is characterised by heavy rains, stagnant water and overflowing rivers. People could suffer from allergies, several types of infections and indigestion, a health expert said. “Stagnant water is spawning ground for mosquitoes. These places will promote the risk of mosquito conveyed infections, such as malaria and dengue high temperature with fever. Viral infections are also spread easily during the monsoon,” she said. Dr Arif Majeed said that people need to take precautions like keeping their surroundings clean, eating fresh food and protection from mosquito. Besides diseases spread by mosquito, the damp season increases water borne diseases and food poisoning. Food rots quickly in hot and damp conditions which are suitable for the growth fungus. Dr Majeed urged the people to clear stagnant water and insist that local municipal authorities regularly spray insecticides in the neighbourhood.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 20^th, 2017.