Deadly virus: Dengue reaches Swat, four cases reported

Accumulated rainwater is providing perfect breeding environment to the mosquito.

MINGORA:

Cases of dengue virus have been reported for the first time in Swat, with four people already tested positive for the virus.

Among the patients is 14-year-old Matiullah. “He had fever and did not recover after a week’s treatment so we consulted a doctor who asked us to get him tested for dengue,” said Matiullah’s father Ihsanullah. He added after the tests his son was admitted at the Saidu Teaching Hospital.

“We are satisfied with the treatment my son is getting at the hospital, but I have to purchase all medicines from outside,” Ihsanullah added.

A house officer of the hospital, Dr Sajid Iqbal, said Matiullah was shifted to a separate room and he is now out of danger. He assured the institution has all the facilities required to treat dengue.

Two patients, Sardar Ali and a woman named Neelam were taken to Shifa Hospital in Islamabad while the fourth patient identified as 36-year-old Saifur Rehman was provided treatment on Sunday and asked to come back in two days.

Saidu Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Khurshid said the recent floods have provided perfect breeding environment for the dengue mosquito. He suggested emergency steps must be taken to drain low-lying areas from rainwater in order to prevent the virus from spreading.

Stating the likely cause of dengue in the area, Dr Khurshid said people might have contracted the virus while traveling to other parts of the province during Eid. He requested residents to use mosquito repellents and keep their neighbourhoods clean.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 19^th, 2013.