Dengue stalks citizens after rain spell

With dozens of dengue cases reported in the provincial capital, the authorities have instructed officers of the departments concerned to go to the field to destroy larvae at hotspots. According to the data released by the health authorities, there have been 28 confirmed cases of dengue fever reported in the city during the past few weeks.

During the last 48 hours, dengue larvae were found at 289 spots in Lahore. Earlier, Lahore Deputy Commissioner Rafia Haider reportedly had reprimanded the officials concerned over dengue larvae not being detected in areas across the metropolis despite the increasing number of patients. According to sources, teams of officials were directed to take action to destroy dengue larvae through doorto-door surveillance and in open areas.

The officials were directed to target the localities deemed hotspots of the disease and submits reports on a daily basis. The threat of dengue has risen after rains during the past few days left water stagnating and dengue larvae not being promptly eliminated. In the situation, the number of dengue patients in government and private hospitals has increased.

Deputy Commissioner Rafia Haider had expressed displeasure over a report submitted to her regarding the performance of teams deputed to eradicate dengue. She said the number of patients was increasing, but the staff were unable to trace the dengue larvae. She directed the officers to go to the field instead of sitting in the offices and preparing reports. As per the reports, at least 30,444 points in nine towns in Lahore city have been declared as hotspots. A target of uninterrupted checking of the places has been given to destroy dengue larvae in stagnant water.

So far this year, 588 suspected dengue cases have been reported across the district during the ongoing year. Dengue larvae were found at 1,673 indoor and 140 outdoor locations. The affected areas include Mughalpura, Dharmapura, Garhi Shahu, Lahore Railway Station, Singhpura, Sabzi Mandi, Badami Bagh, Kasurpura, Taksali Gate, Lohari, Masti Gate, Mustafaabad, Harbanspura, Samanabad Railway Station, Gulshan Ravi, Mazang, Bastami Road, Krishnanagar, Ichhra and Cantt. Warnings and notices have been issued to 1,755 people regarding factories and houses where dengue larvae were found and cases have been registered against 14 people.

The district administration has carried out spray at 45 places to kill dengue mosquitoes. An official said that besides hotspots, open areas, houses, junkyards, tire shops and graveyards are being checked for the larvae. According to a health expert, Dr Abdul Rauf, it is essential to adopt preventive measures against the proliferation of dengue fever.

He advised the citizens to avoid dengue mosquitoes by wear full-sleeved clothes and using mosquito repellent lotions. Symptoms of dengue include headache, high fever, pain in bones and low immunity. Along with the consumption of immunity-boosting food, the citizens should drink sufficient water and take medicines advised by the doctors, said Dr Abdul Rauf. In view of the possibility of rain in the coming days, dengue is likely to spread.