Cause for concern: Number of dengue cases in Swat reaches 17

MINGORA:

Two more patients were admitted to the dengue cell of Saidu Teaching Hospital on Saturday, taking this year’s dengue count in Swat district to 17.

The focal person for the hospital’s dengue cell, Roshan Ali, said Abdullah and Shaukat Ali, both residents of Sakha Cheena, Amankot, were admitted after they tested positive for the dengue virus.

“At the moment, 11 patients are being treated in the dengue unit set up in Medical Ward B,” said Roshan Ali.

He added around 14 patients from Sakha Cheena have contracted the virus thus far.

The increasing number of cases has raised alarm bells in Amankot who fear a repeat of last year’s dengue outbreak.

According to an official of the district administration, health workers and medical experts from the district health department have visited the area and conducted a mosquito larvae elimination drive.

Last year, dengue wreaked havoc in the district. According to official figures, nearly 70 people died, however, the unofficial count was said to be higher. Thousands were infected by the virus which also spread to neighbouring Shangla district.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 13^th, 2014.