Rains heighten dengue threat

Ten new cases reported in city after onset of monsoon season

RAWALPINDI: Rainy season has increased the threat of spread of dengue fever in Rawalpindi sending alarm bells ringing in the health department.

Following torrential rains, the number of dengue patients has increased to 10 in the city, health authorities said.

Stagnant rainwater is helping in spawning of dengue causing mosquitos, which would be soon attacking people and spreading the disease.

According to district administration, the dengue surveillance teams have detected millions of dengue larvae at the site of under construction Rawalpindi Urology and Kidney Transplant Centre, nursery of Parks and Horticulture Authority, five mosques, three hotels, besides 241 places including homes, junkyards, eateries, and construction sites.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Headquarters Saima Younus taking notice of the situation has ordered increasing anti-mosquito spray.

Health experts have expressed fear of an epidemic because rainy season is ideal for spawning of mosquitos.

At least 10 dengue patients have checked into allied hospitals of the city. Among these, three came from Dhok Munshee of Potohar Town while the rest were from Dhok Hassu, Chaklala, and Morgah.

Allied hospitals receive eight more dengue patients

Owing to dengue threat, the district administration has deployed Civil Defence Department to do rounds of government departments and installations to check for dengue larvae.

Similarly, the Environmental Protection Agency will survey junkyards and tyre shops to search for dengue larvae. According to officials, monsoon spell has left water across the city, making dengue control efforts more difficult.

Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) under anti-dengue drive had inspected 2948 houses and removed dengue larvae from 73 points.

RCB had taken effective measures to control dengue while special teams under anti-dengue drive were inspecting residential and commercial places and educating the citizens about importance of sanitation, cleanliness and preventive measures against dengue.

At least 2,948 houses were checked by male and female health workers during door-to-door campaign while dengue larva found at 73 points was removed from British Homes, Naseerabad, Westridge, Masrial Road, Chor, Range Road and Dhoke Gujaran areas.

Moreover, 7,205 containers were also checked while dengue larva found from 55 points was removed. Action in accordance with the law was taken against the violators of the orders of the authorities to save the public from spread of dengue mosquitoes.

The main focus of the campaign was on public health education. The sanitary staff had been directed to ensure timely cleanliness and proper solid waste disposal in all areas.

RCB teams were also visiting hotels, restaurants, workshops, tyre shops and junkyards and warehouses and the citizens were being informed about dengue and adoption of maximum precautionary measures against the disease. The teams were removing stagnant water and dengue larvae from several breeding sites.

The vulnerable points were regularly being checked and special inspection was conducted to check dengue mosquito larvae.

RCB has urged the citizens to adopt precautionary measures and remove stagnant water from their homes and roof tops as most of dengue larvae and adult mosquito is found in air coolers, water drums and scrap items.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 3^rd, 2019.