Disease: Dengue claims another life in Nowshera

Meeting held to discuss preventive measures.

PESHAWAR:

One case has been reported in Nowshera where the patient has died. Four were reported in Peshawar, out of which two have been confirmed, while no case has been reported from Charsadda District so far.

In a meeting on Monday to discuss strategies to avoid an outbreak, the Peshawar commissioner was informed that isolation wards and rooms had been specifically set up for dengue fever patients. The commissioner, who chaired the meeting, asked the participants to provide updates on the regional situation.

The District Coordination Officers and Tehsil Municipal Officers of different districts have been fumigating their areas and set up isolation wards in their local health facilities for dengue fever patients.

All health and administration officials were directed to be vigilant and take protective steps such as the removal of garbage, draining stagnant water and fumigation.

EDOs were asked to issue press releases to clarify the local situation and avoid creating public panic. The chairperson told the participants to hold regular press briefings and keep the public updated.

Nowshera’s Health Executive District Officer (EDO) explained that
dengue fever is a curable disease and is spread by Aedaes Aegypti, a fresh water mosquito.

The EDO said the highly contagious disease can be contained with readily available medicines, however patients needs to be kept in isolation to avoid an outbreak.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 13^th, 2011.