Dengue fever claims three more lives

Dengue fever has claimed three more lives raising the toll to 41 in the province this year so far.

The health authorities informed that all three male patients died of dengue hailed from Sanghar, Dadu and Karachi.

They also informed that the travel history of the patients indicated that they visited Karachi that they believe is the breeding hub of dengue mosquitos. In other districts of Sindh, malaria cases are rising with each passing day, the authorities mentioned. The total number of dengue patients has reached 11,947 with 9,909 in Karachi only.

The highest number of dengue fever patients in Karachi has been reported from district east with 3,293 patients, followed by 2,265 in central, 1,567 in Korangi, 1,464 in south, 653 in Malir, 347 in Keamari and 320 in district west. A total of 1,175 patients have been reported from Hyderabad division where two patients died.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Director General Health Services Sindh, Dr Mohammad Juman Bahooto said that his department was trying its best to reach the patients with dengue fever as soon as possible.

"I request the citizens to inform the health department immediately. Our team will reach the house within 24 hours. We will provide all the family members mosquito nets," he said.

The teams will also fumigate at least three to five houses adjacent to the patient's house. He said that this method will help us prevent the spread of the infection to other citizens. And, he added, it is only possible if the patients with fever goes for the test and informs us immediately if he or she tested positive.

Dr Bahooto advised the citizens not to go after myths. "Just follow doctor's advice," he urged.

Malaria

On the other hand, the number of malaria patients has reached 218,963 in the province, including 102,476 in Hyderabad division, 46,487 in Larkana, 38,661 in Mirpurkhas, 14,229 in Sukkur, 9,154 in Karachi division, 7,946 in Shaheed Benazirabad division. The health department has reported six deaths due to malaria fever so far.

The officials said that the number of patients is rising because of stagnant water in all 23 districts affected by the heavy rains and the floods.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 7^th, 2022.