On the rise: Dengue cases soar despite drop in mercury
Number of patients in Besham crosses 1,000.
Number of patients in Besham crosses 1,000. PHOTO: FILE
MINGORA/SHANGLA:
Despite a significant decrease in temperature, new cases of dengue fever are surfacing regularly in Swat, with 37 new cases identified on Thursday.
The local administration and district health office had earlier claimed the virus would lose its grip in the valley after October 15. However, there is no sign of such a reduction even as the mercury drops.
According to the district health office, 37 new patients were identified in Swat district, after which the total figure reached 8,734, including 5,999 males and 2,735 females. Meanwhile, 28 new patients were admitted to Saidu Teaching Hospital (STH) after the virus was confirmed in them. “The total number of patients taken in by STH stands at 4,923 so far. After 37 patients were discharged yesterday (Wednesday), the total number of cured patients reached 4,670,” said spokesperson for STH, Dr Wasil Ahmad Khan.
Shangla
Meanwhile in Shangla, the total number of dengue patients increased to 1,013 in Besham tehsil. Dr Muhammad Mansoor, in-charge of Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, Besham, said 141 patients were tested for the fatal virus on Thursday, of which 117 were found to be dengue positive.
Dr Mansoor added the number of dengue patients reached this mark in a short span of one month. He said 12 patients were discharged from the hospital after treatment, while 33 more were admitted. “On the instruction of the provincial government, all facilities are being given free of charge to the patients on an emergency basis,” he added.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 25th, 2013.
Despite a significant decrease in temperature, new cases of dengue fever are surfacing regularly in Swat, with 37 new cases identified on Thursday.
The local administration and district health office had earlier claimed the virus would lose its grip in the valley after October 15. However, there is no sign of such a reduction even as the mercury drops.
According to the district health office, 37 new patients were identified in Swat district, after which the total figure reached 8,734, including 5,999 males and 2,735 females. Meanwhile, 28 new patients were admitted to Saidu Teaching Hospital (STH) after the virus was confirmed in them. “The total number of patients taken in by STH stands at 4,923 so far. After 37 patients were discharged yesterday (Wednesday), the total number of cured patients reached 4,670,” said spokesperson for STH, Dr Wasil Ahmad Khan.
Shangla
Meanwhile in Shangla, the total number of dengue patients increased to 1,013 in Besham tehsil. Dr Muhammad Mansoor, in-charge of Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, Besham, said 141 patients were tested for the fatal virus on Thursday, of which 117 were found to be dengue positive.
Dr Mansoor added the number of dengue patients reached this mark in a short span of one month. He said 12 patients were discharged from the hospital after treatment, while 33 more were admitted. “On the instruction of the provincial government, all facilities are being given free of charge to the patients on an emergency basis,” he added.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 25th, 2013.