Dengue alert: Pre-monsoon rain to heighten risk of dengue outbreak
Govt officials claim measures in place to deal with threat.
Govt officials claim measures in place to deal with threat. PHOTO: FILE
ISLAMABAD:
Health experts warned of the potential threat of an outbreak of dengue fever in the capital in view of a prediction of a prolonged pre-monsoon rain spell this year.
Officials from the Capital Administration and Development Division (CADD), Directorate of Health Services (DHS) Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) said the federal government was all set to take measures to prevent its spread at a joint press conference on Monday.
The focus would be on high-risk places from where dengue fever cases were reported last year, including areas surrounding IJ Principal Road, sector G series, and slums. CDA and ICT will make sure there are no illegal dumping sites in the capital. From May onwards, a mass awareness campaign will be launched to help prevent dengue fever and publicise its treatment.
A rainy spell from May till July predicted by the Pakistan Metrological Department will provide a conducive environment for dengue mosquitoes to breed.
According to CDA Health Services Director Dr Hasan Urooj, 70 to 100 per cent humidity and 25 to 30 degrees Celsius is ideal.
“DHS has completed high-risk mapping of the capital and in the coming days the highlighted areas will be actively monitored and preventive measures will be taken to control its spread.”
Around 4,500 samples have been collected from potential breeding sites out of which none has tested positive, Dr Urooj stated.
“It is a fact that there are favourable conditions for dengue mosquitoes to
breed sites in our homes.” Fountains will continue to be operational this year because mosquitoes do not breed there, he added.
CADD Parliamentary Secretary Raja Muhammad Javed Ikhlas said, “A federal coordination cell has been established for the control and prevention of dengue fever that will work around the clock.” Laboratory equipment for the detection of dengue fever worth Rs28 million will be procured for Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences and Polyclinic Hospital, he added.
“All public and private hospitals in the capital have been directed to establish a separate ward for the treatment of dengue patients.” Previously, there was lack of coordination between the departments and delays which created difficulties in tackling the disease, he said.
Ikhlas emphasised the need for effective solid waste management strategies for rural and urban areas. Last year, 225 positive cases of dengue fever were reported from Islamabad out of which 50 were from the city.
CADD Health Adviser Dr Yaqoob Qureshi informed the media that a three-year Prime Minister’s Initiative for Management of Dengue Fever and Pollen Allergy worth Rs49 million would end in June .“We plan to request an extension.” Dr Qureshi was nominated as the focal person for dengue.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 15th, 2014.
Health experts warned of the potential threat of an outbreak of dengue fever in the capital in view of a prediction of a prolonged pre-monsoon rain spell this year.
Officials from the Capital Administration and Development Division (CADD), Directorate of Health Services (DHS) Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) said the federal government was all set to take measures to prevent its spread at a joint press conference on Monday.
The focus would be on high-risk places from where dengue fever cases were reported last year, including areas surrounding IJ Principal Road, sector G series, and slums. CDA and ICT will make sure there are no illegal dumping sites in the capital. From May onwards, a mass awareness campaign will be launched to help prevent dengue fever and publicise its treatment.
A rainy spell from May till July predicted by the Pakistan Metrological Department will provide a conducive environment for dengue mosquitoes to breed.
According to CDA Health Services Director Dr Hasan Urooj, 70 to 100 per cent humidity and 25 to 30 degrees Celsius is ideal.
“DHS has completed high-risk mapping of the capital and in the coming days the highlighted areas will be actively monitored and preventive measures will be taken to control its spread.”
Around 4,500 samples have been collected from potential breeding sites out of which none has tested positive, Dr Urooj stated.
“It is a fact that there are favourable conditions for dengue mosquitoes to
breed sites in our homes.” Fountains will continue to be operational this year because mosquitoes do not breed there, he added.
CADD Parliamentary Secretary Raja Muhammad Javed Ikhlas said, “A federal coordination cell has been established for the control and prevention of dengue fever that will work around the clock.” Laboratory equipment for the detection of dengue fever worth Rs28 million will be procured for Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences and Polyclinic Hospital, he added.
“All public and private hospitals in the capital have been directed to establish a separate ward for the treatment of dengue patients.” Previously, there was lack of coordination between the departments and delays which created difficulties in tackling the disease, he said.
Ikhlas emphasised the need for effective solid waste management strategies for rural and urban areas. Last year, 225 positive cases of dengue fever were reported from Islamabad out of which 50 were from the city.
CADD Health Adviser Dr Yaqoob Qureshi informed the media that a three-year Prime Minister’s Initiative for Management of Dengue Fever and Pollen Allergy worth Rs49 million would end in June .“We plan to request an extension.” Dr Qureshi was nominated as the focal person for dengue.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 15th, 2014.