Dengue update: 5 dead in Lahore

The UN has joined Pakistan’s efforts to control the dengue fever epidemic that has affected more than 12,000 people

LAHORE: Five more people lost their lives owing to dengue in Lahore on Saturday, Express 24/7 reported.

(Read: Collateral damage: Dengue eating up beds in govt hospitals)

The death toll in Punjab has risen to 130, out of which 120 deaths have been reported from Lahore.

UN joins Pakistan in controlling dengue

The United Nations has joined Pakistan’s efforts to control the dengue fever epidemic that has affected more than 12,000 people, the World Health Organization (WHO) said Friday.

(Read: Dengue fever infects over 12,000 in Pakistan)

WHO is supporting sub-groups that have been formed by Pakistani authorities to respond to the epidemic through case management, community mobilization, vector control and public awareness campaigns, the agency’s spokesperson, Tarek Jasarevic, told reporters in Geneva, according to a news release issued at UN Headquarters in New York.

(Read: Expert Advice: Don’t use too much mosquito repellent)

He said WHO has also been facilitating and supporting dengue case management training at district level in several provinces.

A WHO expert on the disease arrived in the country last week to provide technical guidance on dengue fever control. A dengue fever booklet for teachers has been printed and is being circulated.

WHO has also circulated new clinical case management guidelines drafted by Pakistani doctors on the basis of a retrospective study of Pakistani hospital data and global and regional experiences.

Last year, 11,024 confirmed cases of dengue fever and 40 deaths were reported in Pakistan, but this year the number of cases has climbed to 12,466, with mostly cases reported in Punjab.