11 dengue cases emerge in Lower Dir

District administration, health authorities spring into action

PESHAWAR:

11 cases of dengue have been reported from Lower Dir, and the district administration, along with the health department, have decided to take immediate action to address the situation.

A meeting on dengue was held under the chairmanship of Lower Dir Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Arif Khan. Deputy District Health Officer Dr Wali Khan, and district entomologist, Abdul Waris, provided a briefing on dengue cases, hotspots, dengue wards, treatments, and preventive measures.

So far, a total of 11 dengue cases have been reported in Lower Dir. All major hospitals are equipped with dengue testing and treatment facilities. Special dengue wards have been set up in all major hospitals, and if necessary, their capacity will be increased.

During the meeting, the DC ordered that reports on dengue hotspots be shared with all stakeholders for immediate action.

"Public awareness campaigns and practical measures should be implemented in all hotspot areas," he said. "All facilities should be provided in the dengue isolation wards of major hospitals. Additionally, areas such as Toormang, Gulabad, Shahi Khel, Miyar, Shalkanadi, Samarbagh, and Kambat have been identified as hotspots, and dengue spraying should be carried out there. Community sessions should be held for preventive measures," the official ordered.

He added that locations that create a favorable environment for dengue larvae, such as old tire shops, water ponds, and scrap yards, should be cleared. "A special awareness campaign should be run on print and social media, and the community can play a key role in this."

He also said that special campaigns should be run in schools, colleges, and religious seminaries regarding dengue. Under the supervision of the district Khatib, the imams of all central mosques should run an awareness campaign on dengue in their Friday sermons.

"Practical steps, along with dengue spraying, should be taken in areas where positive cases have been reported."

It was agreed during the meeting that lady health workers (LHWs) should conduct door-to-door dengue awareness campaigns, with special attention given to densely populated areas. The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner General Bashir Khan, MS Timergara Dr Ali Asghar, TEOs, representatives of the local government, and other stakeholders.