After dengue, chikungunya threat looms

Cases reported In Peshawar; govt issues urgent advisory

PESHAWAR:

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Health Department has issued an official advisory to prevent the spread of the viral infection chikungunya after cases were reported in Peshawar and Mansehra.

The advisory, issued on Wednesday, has been sent to all district health officers (DHOs), medical superintendents (MS), and medical teaching institutions (MTIs).

Based on guidelines from the National Institute of Health's Center for Disease Control, DHOs, MS, and MTIs have been instructed to take necessary measures to control the infection. The advisory emphasises implementing preventive actions in light of the reported chikungunya cases in Peshawar and Mansehra.

For effective surveillance of chikungunya patients, contact tracing must be carried out to identify and assess other potentially infected individuals.

Additionally, relevant authorities have been directed to launch awareness campaigns to educate the public about the disease and its prevention.

Areas with confirmed cases should also undergo mosquito-control interventions to minimise the spread of the infection.

The advisory further urges all tehsil municipal administrations, environmental agencies, and social organisations to collaborate in taking preventive measures. Medical teaching institutions and healthcare facilities have been instructed to ensure necessary preparations for handling the disease.

The health department has warned the public that chikungunya is a dangerous disease transmitted through mosquito bites.