KARACHI: Cases of ‘break bone’ fever, commonly known as ‘dengue fever’ have resurfaced in Karachi, while authorities are clueless about how to fight the virus effectively.
After a short recess of winter months, cases of dengue fever are being reported at city hospitals. Hospital sources say more than 30 people with dengue symptoms have been treated in the last four months.
The emergence of dengue-related cases after sporadic intervals raises doubt about the initiatives taken by the government in rooting out the disease.
Last year, 25 dengue deaths occurred in the province, while 20 of them were from Karachi alone, according to the provincial dengue surveillance cell.
This year, fear of the mosquito-borne virus is drawing the attention of the fearful masses. Focal Person Dengue Surveillance Cell, Dr Shakeel Malik told PPI that the list of dengue cases for this year could not be prepared so far.
“I can’t tell the exact number of dengue cases in Karachi or other parts of Sindh. They will be clear as soon as a proper list is prepared,” he said.
Health experts blame the masses for being lazy about taking precautionary steps. Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) leader Dr Qaisar Sajjad said the viral disease would never meet its end until preventive measures were taken in a pragmatic manner, especially at the people’s end.
“Mosquitoes breed in stagnant and foul water, we all know it very well, and if we are still not ready to take protective actions then nobody can help it”.
The government must also use effective mosquito repellents in their spraying vehicles to make it more purposeful, highlighted Dr Qaisar.
He advised people to mix a little kerosene oil in stagnant water to prevent mosquitoes from using it as a breeding ground.
“It is incumbent on government to keep their campaigns working regularly in order to aware people of their responsibilities. We see foul-standing water on various places and water drops pouring down from air-conditioners that ultimately give birth to the mosquitoes, therefore we have to stop it,” he said.
He also lamented mosquito coil makers for making the most of viral disease in earning profit, saying they should resist in fleecing people by making substandard mosquito repellents and coils that don’t yield results.
“People and official authorities must cooperate with each other for producing coveted results and warding off this dreaded disease,” he urged.
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