Dengue spraying proves short-lived

Govt departments putting responsibility of health safety on citizens

LAHORE:

Amid efforts to save the people from dengue fever in the province during the ongoing monsoon rains, no step has been taken to ensure the effectiveness of the anti- mosquito products.

Almost all the anti-mosquito sprays being sold in the country are produced to act as anaesthetic or repellant, rather than exterminating the insects. According to sources in the industry, the companies make products that temporarily repel the mosquitoes from a place instead of killing them. The sale of repellant as well as anaesthetic is on the rose because of the need for their repeated use.

The sources said the diesel spray being used by government departments makes the mosquitoes escape from its smoke and stench but they remain a threat to residents of other areas.

Instead of testing in laboratories the insecticides being used to protect the citizens, the departments concerned are placing the responsibility of avoiding dengue on the people after failing to prevent the spread of the mosquitoes. It has also been noticed that dengue mosquitoes breed in clean water but officials are urging the people to maintain cleanliness to prevent the fever.

Read Dengue rears its ugly head again

If the situation does not improve, the health and other related departments may face a challenge of coping with coronavirus as well as dengue.

Punjab Primary and Secondary Healthcare Secretary Imran Sikandar Baloch reviewed the current situation of dengue fever in the province. He appealed to the people to take special care of hygiene to prevent dengue.

The official said the health department is working hard across the province to eradicate dengue larvae and stop their growth.

Dengue prevention activities have been intensified with the onset of monsoon rains across Punjab.

Baloch said precautionary measures against dengue are very important. The citizens should act more responsibly for preventing dengue during the rainy season, especially by not letting rainwater accumulate in residential areas.

During the last 24 hours, 21 confirmed cases of dengue were reported across the province, including 18 confirmed cases in Lahore, two in Rawalpindi and one in Mianwali.

At least 340 cases of dengue fever have been reported in the province so far this year. across the province. Of the cases, 257 have been reported in Lahore. At present, nine patients are undergoing treatment across Punjab. Two of them are admitted to Fatima Memorial Hospital and one to Doctors Hospital in Lahore, four to Holy Family Hospital Rawalpindi and one each to the DHQ Hospital and Benazir Bhutto Hospital.

Read more Dengue stalks Lahore amid rains

The health department is stepping up operations across the province to eradicate dengue larvae. On Saturday, 431,257 indoor and 100,267 outdoor places were checked across Punjab and larvae were eradicated at 1,824 spots. In Lahore, 72,901 indoor and 9,644 outdoor sites were checked for dengue larvae and a total of 1,328 breeding spots were destroyed.

However, no step has been taken to ensure the effectiveness of the mosquito spray being sold in shops. nor is there any measure of their quality.

Meanwhile, the provincial health secretary said precautionary measures should be taken against dengue along with coronavirus. "Prove that you are a responsible citizen by keeping your surroundings clean."

He appealed to all the religious scholars of Punjab to inform the worshipers in mosques about the prevention of dengue, especially the need to avoid accumulation of water in or outside the houses. Advice is also being issued regarding water containers for birds and animals.

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