Dengue Strikes Swat: Over 250 cases reported

125 people are receiving treatment at Saidu Teaching Hospital.

SWAT: In the absence of a proper anti-dengue drive, the virus has rapidly spread over several parts of Swat Valley. According to the district health office, 250 people were reported to have contracted the virus in the district. Of these, 125 are receiving treatment at Saidu Teaching Hospital. Three cases were reported in Matta, while dozens of cases have surfaced in Charbagh. Affected people criticised their MNA, Murad Saeed for not visiting the area, as Saidu Teaching Hospital faces a shortage of beds and patients are forced to lie in the hospital lawn.  The Lower Dir District Administration has also been put on high-alert and asked to take steps to prepare special wards in Timergara in case the virus spreads there.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 25^th, 2013.