Five dengue cases surface in Pindi

At least five dengue positive cases were reported positive in Rawalpindi district.

The District Health Authority has ramped up its anti-dengue campaign after new cases surfaced. The District Health Authority increased its indoor and outdoor surveillance. During the drive, 141 places were challaned, 42 buildings were sealed, 16 FIRs were registered and a Rs1,93,500 fine was imposed on violators.

The health authorities also issued 582 notices after the dengue larvae were found at different locations.

The dengue larvae were found in various places in City and Cantonment.

According to the District Health Authority focal person, three dengue positive patients are being treated at the Quaid-e-Azam International Hospital, one at the Holy Family Hospital and one at the Social Security Hospital.

Dengue wards and dengue counters have been set up at the Benazir Bhutto General Hospital, the District Headquarters Hospital, the Holy Family Hospital and the Cantonment General Hospital, he said.

The focal person said that during the anti-dengue campaign, 7,2175 spots were checked and the dengue larvae were discovered in 61 spots, which were eradicated. He said that during the surveillance of 163,601 houses, dengue larvae were found in 381 houses, which were eradicated.

Residents were also instructed to inform the authorities concerned if any dengue larvae were spotted.

Similarly, seven dairy farms, 69 industries, 25 filtration plants, 238 hotels, 106 tube wells, and 81 under-construction buildings were among the 546 dengue hotspots that could not be visited.

According to Chief Executive District Health Authority Dr Faiza Kanwal, dengue larvae had been found on a large scale. “After its eradication, we have taken steps to stop the spread of dengue virus while we are focusing on dengue hotspots,” she said.

Dr Kanwal said that if dengue larvae were reported again during the indoor and outdoor surveillance, FIRs would be registered against owners and building occupants and houses. We have started issuing challan notices and sealing buildings besides fining them.

"Dengue fever is a viral disease transmitted by the bite of an infected female Aedes mosquito," adding it was not a life-threatening disease. Still, it can cause severe life-threatening complications if not treated properly," said District Coordinator Epidemics Prevention and Control Dr Sajjad Mehmood.

Moreover, Dr Mehmood advised citizens to get them checked if they experience a high-grade body temperature, alongside other known symptoms which may causes Dengue fever.

With additional input from APP

Published in The Express Tribune, May 13^th, 2022.