Swat outbreak: Dengue claims two more lives

The victims were reportedly being treated in Peshawar.

MINGORA: The unofficial death toll from dengue rose to 31 in Swat after two more patients lost their lives on Wednesday.

The deceased were identified as 16-year-old Hussain Ali, a resident of Barama, and Mrs Ali Rehman, a resident of Chail Shagai. Both of them were reportedly being treated in Peshawar. Saidu Teaching Hospital (STH), however, did not confirm the casualties.



According to the most recent data from STH, 2,601 patients suffering from dengue have been registered by the hospital. “Around 111 new dengue positive patients were admitted on Wednesday, while 71 were discharged after complete recovery,” said STH spokesperson Dr Wasil Ahmed.



A total of 314 patients including 13 children are presently being treated at the hospital. “Thirty patients are experiencing complications and are currently in the intensive care unit. One patient has been referred to Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar,” said Dr Wisal.

District Health Office records state 5,200 people across the district have been registered as dengue positive since the outbreak in early August.

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