Increased anti-dengue action on the cards
Fearing an increase in dengue cases due to recent rains, the Punjab government decided to intensify anti-dengue activities in five high-risk districts, namely Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Gujranwala and Sheikhupura.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Dengue Control on Thursday, which was jointly chaired by Provincial Health Minister Dr Jamal Nasir and Chief Secretary Punjab at the Civil Secretariat.
Addressing the meeting, Dr Nasir said that anti-dengue activities should be carried out following recent rains and mentioned that special attention should be paid to indoor and outdoor surveillance in high-risk districts. He added that dengue disease is not dangerous, but it is necessary to take precautionary measures.
The Chief Secretary directed authorities to improve cleanliness in cities and make special arrangements for the removal of solid waste to prevent dengue. He added that deputy commissioners should personally monitor anti-dengue activities in their respective districts, warning that negligence could lead to a dengue epidemic.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 7th, 2023.