Dengue larvae spots cleared in Pindi

Officials say threat of virus spread next to be eliminated

RAWALPINDI:

Health teams have cleared almost 962 dengue larvae spots during the last three months, virtually bringing the threat of the dengue virus spread under control in Rawalpindi. Health officials, however, said that the emergency will remain in place until November 30.

They maintained that at least 550 hotspots were cleared in Rawalpindi and no infected case has been reported from these hotspots lately. These areas included Gulzar-e-Quaid, Airport Housing Society, Wakeel Colony, Dhok Hassu, and Adyala Road.

According to the officials, only two dengue cases were reported in Rawalpindi in April and the patients were discharged after a successful recovery.

They said that the wards designated for the dengue patients in different hospitals are still empty while no separate wards for infected patients were set up this year.

Sources said that the Rawalpindi administration has been directed to monitor the dengue situation amid the monsoon rains forecast for next week.

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The three-day rain spell has been declared crucial for the possible breeding of dengue larvae. According to sources, anti-dengue squads will perform duties during Eid holidays as well while pesticides would be sprayed on stagnant water to cast off mosquito larvae.

Civil Defence Department District Officer Talib Hussain informed that the Rawalpindi district had been split into three zones, five sectors, and 35 clusters as a pre-emptive measure to control the dengue outbreak.

He stated there were separate in-charges for each sector and cluster that monitor the performance of the teams daily. Hussain said that different departments have been tasked to trace dengue larvae while a third party has also been involved to assess the situation.

The DO added that they would direct their focus on tyre shops, under construction buildings, ponds, graveyards and rooftops to destroy the larvae. The official also mentioned that the administration holds three weekly meetings to review the anti-dengue situation and plan activities accordingly.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 19^th, 2021.