Dengue in Punjab: Death toll rises to 168

Shahbaz Sharif says effective strategy will be chalked out to eradicate the virus.

LAHORE: Dengue claimed nine more lives in Lahore today, taking the death toll to 168 in the Punjab province, out of which 154 deaths have been in the city, Express 24/7 reported Wednesday.

Five people succumbed to the virus at Mayo Hospital, a plastic surgeon died at Surgimed Hospital and a woman passed away at Services Hospital.

The total number of cases reported in Punjab has crossed 13,600 with Lahore being the most affected city as more than 11,900 cases were reported.

Although the government has intensified its fumigation campaign, graveyards and abandoned places are still being ignored.

'Sri Lankan national team to visit Pakistan when dengue situation gets better'

Sri Lankan High Commissioner said on Wednesday that their national cricket team will visit Pakistan as soon as the situation of dengue gets better.

Speaking about improving cricketing ties, the high commissioner said that if the players are provided with the necessary security then they are willing to play in Pakistan.

He also talked about strengthening economic relations with Pakistan and said that both the countries would benefit from the increased trade.

The high commissioner also iterated its country's support in helping Pakistan fight the outbreak of dengue.

Comprehensive policy implemented to combat dengue in Punjab

Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif said that a comprehensive policy is being implemented in order to combat the dengue menace.

(Read: Job hazards: CM’s guard dies of dengue)

He said this while presiding over a session regarding the prevention of dengue in Lahore.

Sharif said that an effective strategy will be chalked out to eradicate the virus.

A committee has also been established under Chief Secretary Punjab Javed Mehmood to monitor the policy.

(Read: Sharif seeks backup plan in case of breakdown)

Sharif asserted that continuous supervision is required to counter an outbreak in the future.

The chief minister also said that a crackdown is underway against warehouses of used and imported tyres, as they are the breeding grounds of dengue mosquitoes.