Dengue count soars to 2,823 in Balochistan

District Kech, Gwadar and Lasbela remain affected by the epidemic

QUETTA: The number of dengue cases reported in Balochistan during the current year has soared to 2,823 as three of the provincial districts remain affected.

According to Balochistan Health Department’s statistics and figures, dengue virus has affected 1,898 people in the province whereas another 925 people are suspected of being affected by the epidemic as well. So far, three people have reportedly died from the mosquito-borne disease.

The Health Department stated that the dengue cases have surfaced in district Kech, Gwadar and Lasbela of which district Kech is the most affected where 1,747 cases were reported. In Gwadar, at least 872 cases were reported and approximately 204 people were affected in Lasbela district. No case has been reported from Quetta so far, according to officials.

Secretary Health Balochistan Hafiz Abdul Majid has said that concrete steps are being taken to address the issue and apart from providing treatment in the affected districts, a campaign is also launched to create awareness among the people about preventive measures.

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Apart from the anti-dengue spray, a special team from the health DG’s office has also been sent to the affected areas, officials said. They claimed the spray had been completed in all the affected districts which will help overcome the situation in the coming days.

“On the directives of Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal, an effective and practical strategy has been devised and steps taken to curtail dengue are being monitored,” he said.

“Coordination with the health experts concerned is underway for the necessary technical and health assistance and all measures will be taken to deal with the situation,” the secretary health assured.

Informing about the affected districts, Hafiz Abdul said that government hospitals have been equipped with facilities and steps taken to deal with the dengue epidemic.

“There is a dire need to educate the public about dengue and the government is fulfilling its responsibilities in this regard,” he continued.

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Health Secretary assured that the situation is under control and the virus will be eradicated soon. He urged the public to not be overcome by any fear and rather adopt the recommendations proposed for protection from the virus.

He said that with the cooperation of the public the dengue virus will soon be eliminated from the affected districts.

Earlier, Balochistan Health Minister Meer Naseebullah Marri also said that health department has been utilising earnest efforts to deal with the recent outbreak of dengue virus.

“Health teams have been sent to dengue-hit areas where patients are being provided quality care and medicines,” Marri said in a statement, adding that the government has been reviewing daily reports that are emerging from the affected areas.

He said the provincial government has taken immediate notice after dengue cases surfaced in Lasbela and other districts, while Incentive Care Units (ICUs) have also been established for patients affected by dengue.

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