Outbreak: Unofficial dengue count reaches 1,500 in Swat

District Health Office registered 351 cases between August 11 and 27.

MINGORA:

Another five dengue cases surfaced in Shangla district on Tuesday, bringing the number of patients to over 500.

According to the District Health Office, 351 cases have been registered between August 11 and 27. On the other hand, data collected by an Amankot youth group from private laboratories places the tally of dengue-infected patients to a staggering 1,500 in the district.

The epidemic has caused much unrest among residents who have been showing up in large numbers at clinical laboratories for tests.

Apart from private laboratories, the clinical laboratory at Saidu Teaching Hospital (STH) has been swamped with people. As a result, the laboratory is facing a shortage of technicians and insufficient facilities have created a backlog.

“We have conducted more than 1,500 tests during the last four days, but we do not have modern machines to retrieve quick results. Plus, we don’t have enough people in the lab,” lab technician Sardar Ahmad told The Express Tribune.

Staffers say the NS1 test is not available in the hospital, compelling people to look towards private laboratories. “We conduct tests manually. We need a Hematology Analyzer immediately for quick results,” Ahmad added.

At the same time, hundreds of patients wait in long queues outside the laboratory and complain about poor facilities. “I have been waiting for my report for seven hours now,” said Fasiullah, a patient visiting STH.

According to STH’s medical ward record, 120 patients testing positive for dengue fever were admitted.

The district administration is also undertaking preventive measures. “Regular fumigation is being conducted in affected areas of seven union councils. Spray machines and anti-dengue disinfectants from Mardan, Nowshera and Peshawar will also reach soon,” said Tehsil Municipal Officer Nisar Khan.

Three dengue patients from Shangla said arrangements should be made in hospitals in their district. “Five cases of dengue fever surfaced in our area and those patients are admitted here in Swat. The government should make the necessary arrangements in other hospitals so that patients can get timely treatment,” said Fazal Rahim Lohar, a dengue patient admitted at STH.

STH’s Dr Shah Dawran said the situation is now under control. “More than 150 patients have been discharged after treatment and have recovered completely,” he said, adding “There is nothing to fear.”

Following the outbreak in the district, teams of medical experts from Lahore and Peshawar are visiting affected areas and assisting doctors at STH.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 28^th, 2013.